Voice's Eye on Football Blog

Voices Random thoughts following Hawks latest Stagg Bowl victory

2011-12-20T09:11:00.000-08:00

• What can I say following the UW-Whitewater football team’s 13-10 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl XXXIX victory over Mount Union? • Winning never gets old!

• One of the lasting images in my mind is UW-Whitewater athletic director Paul Plinske and assistant athletic director Bob Lanza running onto the field yelling, jumping and clicking their heels in the initial excitement of winning another NCAA Division III title.

• To see the smile on Chancellor Telfer’s face when asked to join the team for the “official” photo in front of the Salem Stadium scoreboard spoke volumes.

• Thanks U-Dub-Dub fans for making the trek out to the Roanoke Valley. The Friday night game made it more difficult for a number of fans to travel this year due to work commitments. It is fully understandable and it affected Mount Union fans the same way.

• Another of my lasting images from the weekend was the welcome the team had on its return to the Perkins Stadium Parking lot Saturday afternoon. And believe me, that fire engine ride through town after winning another title is extremely special for the players. Thanks Whitewater Fire Department!

• Having home town boy Loussaint Minett capture the Stagg Bowl MVP added to the energy level of the locals welcoming the team back home.

• I have both heard and read criticism of Whitewater being too conservative in its offensive play-calling, especially in the second half. Just a reminder, that “play-calling” is coming from an offensive coordinator that has yet to lose a game since being elevated to the position.

• Friday night’s game was an “old fashion, down by the pier” defensive battle.

• The “bar” was raised to an incredible height for the 2011 Warhawk football team. To be able to achieve a third consecutive unbeaten season and third consecutive national championship is the latest addition to one of the great football programs in Division III history.

• The ultimate statistic in the wake of UW-Whitewater winning a third consecutive national championship and fourth in the last five years? Lance Leipold now has more national titles (4) than he has losses (3) in his five years as UW-Whitewater head coach. Coach Leipold’s record at UWW is 72 wins, 3 losses.

• A couple of personal thoughts from last week…

• I want to thank Bob Berezowitz, Rod Sonnenburg, Josh Smith, Dick Haven, Gary Douglas and Gary Arnie Peck along with a number of others on “bus 3” for assisting me on the trip. A sincere thank you!

• To my thousands of readers – thank you, and I hope the stories I write adds to the excitement of Warhawk football for you throughout the year.

-- Voice

Wahawks get "championship style" welcome home greeting

2011-12-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

(Photo above of Wahawks gettng trip through town on return to Whitewater courtesy of Whitewater Banner)

What a weekend for UW-Whitewater football. Friday night the Warhawks defeated rival Mount Union (Ohio) 13-10 to capture the 2011 NCAA Division III football championship.

Early Saturday afternoon the Hawks arrived back on campus to an emotional “welcome home” greeting by a large group of Hawk fans who had been awaiting the arrival in the Perkins Stadium parking lot.

Among the players being welcomed back was former Whitewater High School athlete Loussaint Minett, the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl XXXX most valuable player. The UWW sophomore defensive end made the definitive play in the game. Minett knocked the ball loose from Mount Union quarterback Matt Piloto at his own goal line in the third quarter. Sophomore linebacker Cole Klotz recovered the loose ball at the Raiders 1-yard line, and Levell Coppage scored on the next play to give the Warhawks a 10-0 lead.

“It means the world, it's great," Minett said prior to finding a spot on a Whitewater fire truck for the traditional, ceremonial ride through town.

The Warhawks have now captured the national championship for the third consecutive year and four out of the past five. The team has now won 45 games straight, the fourth longest winning streak in NCAA football history at any level.

"The record tells itself. We go by the motto "No Days Off" and we work hard," Minett said.

Warhawks beat Mount Union 13-10 to capture 3rd consecutive national title

2011-12-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

For the third straight year and fourth time in seven seasons, the Warhawks (15-0) are the Division III national champions courtesy of a 13-10 win over Mount Union in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.

As opposed the previous six Stagg Bowl encounters between Whitewater and Mount Union, the winner did not score at least 30 points.

Saturday's game turned out to be a "down by the pier" brawl between two outstanding defenses.

Mount Union's defense was very good. It held the Warhawks to 210 yards of offense and just one touchdown and two field goals.

Whitewater’s only touchdown came on a one-play, one-yard drive when Levell Coppage stepped through the offensive line untouched. The play was set up by a sack and strip of Purple Raider quarterback Matt Piloto by Loussaint Minett. Cole Klotz scooped the ball but lost his footing and fell a yard short of the endzone.

But Whitewater's defense, with a significant assist from some strong special teams play, was just a little bit better. The Warhawks surrendered 238 yards to Mount Union, and all but 80 of those yards came in the fourth quarter and after Whitewater had built a 10-0 lead.

Eric Kindler gave the Warhawks a 3-0 lead on Eric Kindler's 44-yard field with with 11:19 remaining in the first half. Kindler kicked his second field goal of the game, a 30-yarder in the fourth quarter, to give his team a 13-3 lead to seal Whitewateer's fourth national title in the last five years.

"(It was) another exciting four-quarter game between these two football teams that came down to the very end," Warhawks head coach Lance Leipold said, who improved his record to 72-3 in five seasons at Whitewater. "I just thought we had an outstanding defensive effort today."

For the Daily Jefferson County Union sports writer Josh Smith's complete story on the Hawks' national championship CLICK HERE

Warhawks Win 13-10

2011-12-16T19:47:00.001-08:00

UW-Whitewater holds off Mount Union 13-10 to claim a third consecutive NCAA Divison III national championship hand fourth in the last five years.

Much more to come......

Set to get this party started

2011-12-16T15:56:00.000-08:00

Mount Union wins toss - defers - Hawks to get ball first.

Note: game is being telecast on ESPN 2

Hawks come out in brand new jerseys

2011-12-16T15:38:00.000-08:00

The Hawks are wearing brand new black jersey with silver numbers. The "radio voice" of the Warhawks - Gary Douglas is estatic! The jerseys were a total suprise for the players when they arrived in the locker room this evening!

Hawk fans on the press box side and ESPN 2 cameras will be mainly facing the Mount Union side of the field.

Fans still entering stadium following a soggy tailgate and pep rally just outside the Stadium

Willie Warhawk urging the sizable contingent of UWW fans - Hawks now coming onto the field.

- more to come......

Welcome to Salem Stadium and Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl XXXIX

2011-12-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody...

A steady rain fell for most of the day but 30 minutes prior to kickoff the rain has stopped and we are good to go for Whitewater-Mount Union VII.

The official Stagg Bowl program has a single photo - it is of Levell Coppage.

D3football.com has just released its 2011 Division III All-America Team.

For Whitewater....

(1st Team)
Levell Coppage
Logan Allemand
Greg Arnold

(2nd Team)
Casey Casper

(3rd Team)
Matt Blanchard

** Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year alog with Coach of the Year will be announced following tonight's game.

-- More to come...........

What the Newspapers are saying about Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl XXXIX

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Daily Jefferson County Union: UW-Whitewater still powered by tradition

All Lance Leipold wanted to do when he took over as head coach at his alma mater, UW-Whitewater, in 2007 was continue the tradition started by his former coaches, first Forrest Perkins and then Bob Berezowitz. Mission Accomplished.

In his fifth season as Warhawks coach Leipold led the program to its seventh straight NCAA Division III national championship game. And for the seventh year in a row, No. 1 ranked UW-Whitewater faces No. 2 University of Mount Union (Ohio) in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl XXXIX. Both teams are 14-0.

"It's been another exciting season for our football program. I'm really proud of our players, our seniors, and our assistant coaches for the job that they've done," said Leipold, who owns a gaudy 71-3 record in five seasons.

Leipold is only the third head coach at UW-Whitewater since 1956 - Perkins coached from 1956-84, Berezowitz was at the helm from 1985-2006, and Leipold, who played quarterback under both mentors, has been the man in charge since taking the reins in 2007. -

- To read Jeff Seisser’s Daily Union Story CLICK HERE

Wisconsin State Journal - Whitewater's Coppage to end illustrious career in Div. III title game

The seniors on the UW-Whitewater and Mount Union (Ohio) football teams have been spoiled.

For the past four years, they've ended their season in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl and have celebrated at least one national championship. But one player in particular has a lot to smile about. Running back Levell Coppage will put the finishing touches on a glowing career Friday when the top-ranked Warhawks (14-0) face No. 2 Mount Union (14-0) for the seventh straight year in the NCAA Division III title game.

Coppage's career has featured 7,704 rushing yards, 108 touchdowns, two national championships and two Stagg Bowl MVPs.

- To read Josh Smith’s State-Journal story CLICK HERE

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel - For seventh straight year, it's Whitewater vs. Mount Union for title

They've taken it one game at a time. Now, it's one for all time. UW-Whitewater's football team takes its 44-game winning streak - fifth-longest in NCAA history, any division or level - into the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Salem, Va., at 6 p.m. Friday (ESPN2).

For the seventh consecutive year, the Warhawks' opponent in the Division III championship game is the University of Mount Union of Alliance, Ohio. Here they are. Again. The Warhawks (14-0) and Purple Raiders (14-0), ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the nation all season, have been on a collision course since they started practice four months ago.

- To read Gary D’Amato’s Journal-Sentinel Story CLICK HERE

Roanoke Times - Stagg Bowl rings familiar: Mount Union faces Wisconsin-Whitewater

Wisconsin-Whitewater has won 44 straight games since its last loss -- to Mount Union in the 2008 Stagg Bowl.

The Warhawks have beaten the Purple Raiders for the Division III national title the past two seasons.

Wisconsin-Whitewater linebacker Greg Arnold wore one of his national championship rings at a media session Wednesday, and had the other in his pocket.

Is Arnold confident of winning yet another ring when his team faces Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl tonight? "Very confident," said Arnold, whose team has won 44 straight games since losing the 2008 Stagg Bowl to Mount Union. "We're a very confident team this year. We come into every game expecting to win."

Whitewater (14-0) and the Purple Raiders (14-0) of Alliance, Ohio, will meet for the NCAA Division III title at 7 tonight at Salem Stadium.

- To Read Mark Berman’s Roanoke Times Story CLICK HERE

What the newspapers are saying about Stagg Bowl XXXIX

2011-12-12T22:20:00.000-08:00

ROANOKE (VIRGINIA) TIMES

For the first time, the Stagg Bowl will take place on a Friday night and will air in prime time on national television from Salem Stadium

Wisconsin-Whitewater and Mount Union will be squaring off in the Stagg Bowl for the seventh straight year, but there will be a new twist to this meeting.

Friday night lights.

The NCAA Division III football title game will be held on a Friday for the first time. ESPN2 will televise the game at Salem Stadium at 7 p.m.

"I think it's kind of fun to play on Friday night," Mount Union coach Larry Kehres said on a teleconference Monday.

Will Whitewater coach Lance Leipold miss the extra day of preparation?

"When you play somebody like that, you wish you had like the Division I bowl teams - you wish you had a month to prepare," Leipold said.

Whitewater (14-0) has won three of the past four Stagg Bowls, including two straight. The Warhawks have won 44 straight games since losing the 2008 Stagg Bowl.

The Purple Raiders (14-0) of Alliance, Ohio, are seeking their 11th Division III crown.

- To read Mark Berman’s Roanoke Times story CLICK HERE

Information on fan bus to the Stagg Bowl via Coach USA

2011-12-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Be part of the Warhawk football team history as they battle in their seventh straight Stagg Bowl - the NCAA Division III national championship. You can travel to the game via a fan bus!

Coach USA charter bus leaves 10:00 PM Thursday, December 15, 2011 and gets you to the game in Salem, VA at 2:00 PM. You will be able to join up with fellow Warhawks at the pre-game tailgate in the Salem Convention Center parking lot starting at 4:30 pm. The bus will leave for Whitewater approximately one hour after the game concludes. You'll be back in Whitewater on Saturday afternoon.

The bus will depart from Lot 1 (lot south of the Center of the Arts) on Thursday at 10:00PM sharp. Fans can begin loading at 9:30PM. Please be sure to park in the southwest corner of the Lot 1 (corner of Main Street and Prince Street).

COST OF TRIP - $115.00 for UW-W Students, $125.00 for Non-UW-W Students.

This does NOT include the cost of a game ticket, which can be purchased in advance or at the game (the game will NOT sell out). Game tickets are $7.00 for students, $12.50 for adults (advance)/ $15.00 (day of game).

Deadline 4:00 PM this Thursday unless seats are sold out. Limited seats are available.

Minimum number of travelers must be 40. UW-Whitewater is not responsible if there are weather-related concerns that cancel this trip.

Contact the UW-Whitewater Ticket Center at 262-472-2222 to purchase your trip!

If you have specific Fan Bus questions, call the Athletic Office at 262/472-4661.

To view additional fan information including Stagg Bowl Week itinerary in Salem CLICK HERE

What the newspapers are saying about the Warhawks 20-0 national semifinal win over St. Thomas

2011-12-11T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here’s a sample of what the newspapers are saying about UW-Whitewater’s 20-0 win over St. Thomas to advance the Warhawks to a seventh consecutive Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl game vs. Mount Union

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

Stop us if you've heard this before -- UW-Whitewater vs. Mount Union.
That will be the matchup in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl for the seventh consecutive year after Whitewater dispatched St. Thomas, 20-0, Saturday in a Division III semifinal game at Perkins Stadium.

The two-time defending national champion Warhawks boosted the longest current winning streak in NCAA football to a remarkable 44 games with their 14th victory of the season. Earlier in the day, Mount Union topped Wesley, 28-21, in the other semifinal to boost its record to 14-0 also.

Whitewater and Mount Union will play for the Division III crown at 6 p.m. Friday night in Salem, Va. In essence, it will be a rubber match for the teams, who have split the last six championship games.

- To read Tom Haurdicourt’s Journal-Sentinel Story CLICK HERE

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Wisconsin-Whitewater football team won its 44th straight game, earning a spot in the NCAA Division III championship game by defeating St. Thomas 20-0 on Saturday.

Wisconsin-Whitewater (14-0) will meet Mount Union (Ohio) in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl on Friday in Salem, Va., for the seventh consecutive year. Wisconsin-Whitewater won the last two meetings.

Mount Union defeated Wesley (Del.), 28-21, in the other semifinal.
Wisconsin-Whitewater scored on three of its four first-half possessions, racking up a 17-0 lead.

- To read Associated Press story CLICK HERE

WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL

St. Thomas entered its NCAA Division III football playoff semifinal against UW-Whitewater undefeated and ranked No. 3 in the country.
But the top-ranked Warhawks illustrated there’s a substantial gap between No. 3 and No. 1.
Whitewater scored 17 points spanning its first three possessions and produced a shutdown defensive effort to beat the Tommies 20-0 Saturday and advance to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl on Friday in Salem, Va., for the seventh consecutive year.

- To read Michael Bleach’s State Journal article CLICK HERE

MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE

Along the walkway to Perkins Stadium, Wisconsin-Whitewater has placed a "Plaza of Excellence" in tribute to its football team. Its three NCAA Division III championships are commemorated there, with a blank plaque ready to be engraved with the next.

That could happen yet this year. The top-ranked Warhawks beat St. Thomas 20-0 Saturday in the NCAA semifinals on their home field, earning a seventh consecutive trip to the championship game. Whitewater (14-0), which has won the past two national titles, also extended its winning streak to 44 games, the longest in the nation and the fifth longest in NCAA history.

- To read Rachel Blount’s Star-Tribune story CLICK HERE

Stagg Bowl Week Whitewater Itinerary

2011-12-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

The following is the itinerary for UW-Whitewater football fans planning on travelling to Salem, Virginia for Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl XXXIX.

The UW-Whitewater football team and entourage will depart the Dane County Regional Airport on Tuesday.

Team Hotel: Sheraton Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center 2801 Hershberger Road Roanoke, VA 24017 540-563-9300 ‎

Wednesday, December 14 ( 7:15 p.m EST)
Gagliardi Trophy Awards Presentation – Salem Civic Center. Tickets ($25) available to general public. Ticket Information: Salem Civic Center (for tickets call 540-375-3004

Thursday, December 15 (6:30 p.m. EST) "Spotlight on Champions" Luncheon - Salem Civic Center
Tickets ($25) available to the general public.
Ticket Information: call the Salem Civic Center at 540-375-3004

Friday, December 16 (4:30 p.m. EST) Tailgate Party and Pep Rally – Salem Stadium parking lot.
(7:05 p.m EST)Kickoff on ESPN2

Monday, December 12 – Tuesday, December 13
Advance tickets will be sold at UW-Whitewater Ticket Office (262-472-2222) until 12:00 noon (CST) on Tuesday, December 13. Tickets must be picked up at UW-Whitewater before the game on Saturday. Adults: $12.50 advance or $15.00 on game day Students: $7.00 advance or on game day

(Note) After Tuesday Tickets can be ordered by calling Salem Civic Center: 540-375-3004

UST @ UWW GAMEDAY CENTRAL

2011-12-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

St. Thomas (13-0) vs. UW-Whitewater (13-0)
NCAA Division III Semifinal at Perkins Stadium

Today’s game is being telecast live via ESPN 3 which is an online streaming service for ESPN. ESPN3 is a broadband network for live sports programming. The service is not available in all areas to all internet providers. To access online ESPN 3 CLICK HERE

Today’s game will be available for Time Warner Cable Sports 32 subscribers in the Milwaukee and Green Bay markets, including a large portion of southeastern Wisconsin in the Milwaukee metro area. The game will be seen on analog http://www.uwwsports.com/custompages/football/2011/gamenotes3.pdfCharter Cable in southern Wisconsin WILL NOT have the game on its cable system.

KOOL 106.5 live radio broadcast CLICK HERE

Live Statistics CLICK HERE

UW-Whitewater Pregame Notes CLICK HERE

St. Thomas Pregame Notes CLICK HERE

Warhawkfootball.com CLICK HERE

Voices Eye on Football Blog CLICK HERE

WHAT THE NEWSPAPERS ARE SAYING

2011-12-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

St. Thomas (13-0) at UW-Whitewater (13-0)
NCAA Division III semifinal @ Perkins Stadium

Daily Jefferson County Union: Seventh Stagg Bowl in Warhawks' sights

WHITEWATER - Something will have to give when No. 1 UW-Whitewater hosts No. 3 University of St. Thomas, Minn. in this Saturday's NCAA Division III football playoff semifinal - the last hurdle to the 34th Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.

The Warhawks (13-0) enter the game averaging 233.31 yards per game rushing, while the Tommies (13-0) lead the nation in stopping the run, allowing just 47.85 yards per contest.

The Tommies run a 3-4 defensive, similar to the Green Bay Packers.

"It's very disruptive," said Warhawks coach Lance Leipold. "They have good size up front, an athletic secondary and their linebackers are very solid."

The Warhawks, owners of an all-college football best 43-game winning streak, are making their ninth NCAA postseason appearance and own a 31-6 record, including winning national championships in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

The semifinal appearance is the first for St. Thomas, 8-3 in four postseason appearances.

To read Jeff Seisser's article CLICK HERE

Janesville Gazette: Tommies, Warhawks use similar scripts

WHITEWATER — So what will fans see when University of St. Thomas (Minn.) comes calling to Perkins Stadium here Saturday to play UW-Whitewater in a NCAA Division III semifinal playoff game?

About what they see each week out of the home team, says Warhawk head coach Lance Leipold.

“They are a physical, running football team,” Leipold said about the Tommies. “They have a very talented quarterback, and a very gifted running back. They are highly productive.

“They have a big offensive line, and a scheme that incorporates a solid running game.”

Yes, sounds like the Warhawks.

The Tommies and the Warhawks have used that offensive philosophy to run up 13-0 records going into Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. game at Perkins Stadium. The winner goes to next Friday’s Stagg Bowl at Salem, Va.

To read Tom Miller's article CLICK HERE

St. Paul Pioneer Press: Bob Sansevere: On and on with Wisconsin-Whitewater football coach Lance Leipold

Veteran St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Bob Sandsevere on a one-on-one Q & A with UW-Whitewater head coach Lance Leipold.

To read the Bob Sandsevere article CLICK HERE

Minneapolis Star-Tribune (AP): Surging St. Thomas tries to crack Div III elite

ST. PAUL, Minn. - When Glenn Caruso took over as the head coach at St. Thomas four years ago, he believed this perennially unremarkable football program could become a consistent winner and even a national power.
Success has sure come quickly. The Tommies will take their 13-0 record to play defending champion Wisconsin-Whitewater on Saturday in the NCAA Division III semifinals, the first time in school history they've been this far. They're averaging more than 40 points per game, and their defense has given up only 40 points total over the last nine games.
This, from a team that went 2-8 in 2007. This, from a program that began in the late 1890s and once featured Vince Lombardi Jr. but played in the postseason only four times before Caruso came and not since 1990.

To read Dave Campbell's article CLICK HERE

St. Paul Pioneer Press: Tommies coach Glenn Caruso: 'We'd trade it all in for 14-0'

Perfection is close, so very close. If undefeated St. Thomas continues its impressive playoff run with two more victories, the Tommies will win their first NCAA Division III national title in football. Of course, getting those two wins will be a chore. The Tommies play unbeaten and defending champion Wisconsin-Whitewater on Saturday in the national semifinals.

I talked Monday with Tommies coach Glenn Caruso, the architect of a remarkable ascension. The Tommies were 2-8 in 2007, the season before he took over. Since then, they have been 7-3, 11-2, 12-1 and now 13-0.

Every year Caruso has been a head coach, his win totals have improved. Before becoming the Tommies' coach, he spent two seasons at Macalester, which was 0-9 the season before his arrival. Macalester went 2-7 and 4-5 under Caruso, so he has gone from 2 to 4 to 7 to 11 to 12 to 13 wins in his six seasons as a head coach.

To read Bob Sandsevere's column CLICK HERE

St. Paul Pioneer Press: Tommies' Dakota Tracy: 'I'll put our team against anybody's team'

Dakota Tracy went to a hyphenated high school - New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva - and didn't have a slew of big-name football coaches vying for face time. When he graduated from Hyphen High, he decided on the University of St. Thomas. He joined the Tommies the same season Glenn Caruso became the new coach. They have had quite a run these past four years - particularly the past two.

Tracy, a senior quarterback with a 28-1 record as a starter, has passed for 2,213 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, with an efficiency rating of 150.56. He also has run for 515 yards and nine touchdowns. Those numbers have helped lift the Tommies to a 13-0 record and a spot in Saturday's NCAA Division III semifinals against two-time defending national champion and top-ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater.

To read Bob Sandsevere's column CLICK HERE

TommieMedia: Dominant Chicago running backs square off in Whitewater

St. Thomas senior running back Colin Tobin and Wisconsin-Whitewater senior Levell Coppage shared the spotlight as high school football stars in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park. They will play against each other for the first time Saturday in Whitewater when the Tommies take on the Warhawks in the NCAA Division III semifinals.

While Tobin was catching St. Thomas coach Glenn Caruso’s eye at Fenwick High, Coppage was tearing it up at Oak Park High just nine blocks away. The two backs have been unstoppable in the 2011 playoffs. Tobin has racked up 605 yards and seven touchdowns in three games, and Coppage has 514 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“We know each other through friends,” Tobin said. “It’s been cool to see how well he’s been doing. His numbers are pretty hard to keep up with.”

To read Alex Keil's article CLICK HERE

Hawks have "won the 4th quarter" in its toughest playoff wins over the past seven seasons

2011-12-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

The UW-Whitewater Warhawks enter Saturday’s NCAA Division III semifinal vs. St. Thomas with an abundance of playoff experience over the past seven seasons.

Saturday’s game will be the 28th pre-Stagg Bowl game on Whitewater’s playoff resume.

In looking back, seven games have resulted margins of 10 points or less and the game was won by making big-time plays in the 4th quarter.

The games are:
2010: UWW 20, North Central 10 (quarterfinal at NCC)
2009: UWW 27, Linfield (Ore) 20 (semifinal at UWW)
2008: UWW 30, Willamette (Ore) 27 (quarterfinal at Willamette)
2007: UWW 16, Mary Hardin-Baylor 7 (Semi at UWW)
2006: UWW 24, UW-La Crosse 21 (2nd round at UWW) 2006: UWW 17, St. Johns 14 (quarterfinal at UWW)
2005: UWW 44, Linfield 41 (quarterfinal at Linfield)

Last year the Hawks needed to go to North Central following controversial seeding by the NCAA. The Hawks trailed NCC 10-7 entering the 4th quarter. Whitewater scored 13 unanswered points for a 20-10 victory to advance to the 2010 semifinal round. A huge 4th quarter forced turnover by the UWW defense and the special teams coming up big with Eric Kindler nailing two 4th quarter field goals to “seal the deal.”

A similar game occurred in 2009 when Whitewater and Linfield battled into the fourth quarter. The Hawks won the semifinal matchup 27-20 on a bitterly cold day at Perkins Stadium. Linfield scored a TD on the first play of the 4th quarter to take a 17-10 lead. The Warhawks scored the final 17 points of the game on a Jeff Schebler field goal and Antwan Anderson touchdown. Levell Coppage sealed the game with a 40 yard dash to the end zone with 1:05 left in the game.

In 2008, Whitewater travelled to No. 1 seed Willamette (Oregon) and played without an injured Levell Coppage. Antwan Anderson stole the show for the Hawks by rushing for 269 yards on 30 carries – scoring 3 touchdowns to lead the Hawks to a 30-27 win in the Pacific Northwest. Double-A put the team “on his back” on the Hawks ’08 playoff run rushing for 805 yards and scoring nine touchdowns on the way to a national runner-up finish to Mount Union.

On the run to UW-Whitewater first national title in 2007 the Warhawks hosted Mary Hardin-Baylor in the semifinal round. The Hawks had defeated UMHB 41-14 in Whitewater on October 27th to hand the Cru its first loss of the season. Six weeks later, on a frigid November afternoon the Warhawk defense shut down the potent UMHB offense, holding the Cru scoreless in the second half for a 16-7 win and a berth vs. Mount Union in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl for a third straight season.

In 2006, the Warhawks needed comeback wins in back-to-back playoff games. In the second round, the Warhawks trailed archrival UW-La Crosse 21-17 early the 4th quarter. The Hawks had routed UWL 45-10 during the regular season.. Neil Mrkvicka’s 50 yard TD catch from Justin Jacobs with just over five minutes left propelled the Hawks to the win.

In the 2006 semifinal round, St. Johns (Minnesota) returned to Perkins Stadium just a year after losing big to the Warhawks in the 2005 playoffs. The ’06 game was a different story. The Hawks trailed early before rallying to take a 17-7 lead late in the 3rd quarter at frosty Perkins Stadium. The Hawks held on for a 17-14 win to advance to the ’06 semifinal round.

In 2005, UW-Whitewater put itself on the D III national landscape by knocking off unbeaten and defending national champion Linfield out in McMinnville, Oregon. Linfield entered the game as a prohibitive favorite over the “up-start” Warhawks. The Hawks matched Linfield “punch for punch” coming away with an improbable 44-41 win. It was a game that immediately became an instant classic.

The Hawks “shocked the D III world” that cool, misty afternoon and the UW-Whitewater football program has since been on one of the great runs in NCAA football at any level.

In each of the just-mentioned playoff wins their was one constant in each game. Whitewater special teams outplayed the opposition, won the turnover battle, and “won” the fourth quarter scoring game-winning points in each of the seven playoff games on the “Road to Salem.”

Be Cool - Plan at Partying at the Perk on Saturday!

2011-12-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

When UW-Whitewater hosts St. Thomas on Saturday in NCAA Division III football semifinal action the world will be watching!

The Warhawk football team will be playing for a berth in next week’s Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, ESPN is going to be in town and we want to let ESPN and football fans around the nation that Perkins Stadium is the “mecca” of Division III football!

Operation: Pack The Perk will be in effect for Saturday’s game.

UW-Whitewater led the nation in Division III attendance during the regular season by averaging 8,040 fans per game at Perkins Stadium.

How would a crowd like that look around the country on the ESPN 3 telecast?

Attention UW-Whitewater students – There are FREE TICKETS available for you thanks to our generous sponsors - DLK Enterprises: 144 Tratt Street*, Residence Life: Goodhue 1st Floor*, and at Williams Center 112 (UW-W Athletic Department). NOTE: *Tickets at locations marked with asterisk are reserved for students who reside in DLK Enterprises or Residence Halls and can be picked up during normal business hours. Photo ID is required. Tickets are available while supplies last.

Students – plan on arriving at the Perk early (2:30 p.m. kickoff), there will be free food, fun, and a chance to win great prizes at a tailgate in the pavilion prior to the game!

Let’s let ESPN and the rest of the nation know that a Saturday at Perkins Stadium is much more than just a football game.

The Perk is home to the best Division III pregame tailgating scene in the country!
With ESPN in town “the world will be watching” – lets show the country that Camp Randle Stadium in Madison isn’t the only stadium in the state where fans get rowdy cheering on their team.

Lets make the U-Dub-Dub chant reverberate in the ESPN microphone and on camera all game long!

For more UWW-St. Thomas game-day information, including ticket prices CLICK HERE

Matt Blanchard among final four in Gagliardi Trophy balloting

2011-12-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

UW-Whitewater quarterback Matt Blanchard has made “the final cut” in balloting for the 2011 Gagliardi Trophy.

Blanchard, Alex Tanney, Fritz Waldvogel and Michael Zweifel have been chosen as the finalists for the 2011 Gagliardi Trophy, given to the most outstanding all-around football student-athlete in NCAA Division III by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint John's University of Minnesota. The Gagliardi Trophy, presented annually since 1993, recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service.

While being an individual award, Blanchard calls the Gagliardi Trophy a “team award.”

”That award (Gaglardi Trophy) is a product of what we’re doing here,” the senior quarterback indicated as last Saturday’s postgame press conference following his team’s national quarterfinal victory over Salisbury (Maryland). “The statistics I’ve received is a result of this guy (Levell Coppage) running, a credit to the offensive line blocking, a credit to my receivers and to our offensive coordinator Steve Dinkel.

Matt is the second in his family to be named a Gagliardi Trophy finalist. Derek Blanchard was a finalist in 2007, the year the prestigious trophy was captured by UW-Whitewater running back Justin Beaver. Derek Blanchard (2004-07) was an All-American offensive lineman for Mount Union and earlier this year was named to the D3football.com All-Decade Team 2000-2009

Blanchard is the fifth UW-Whitewater player that has earned a spot among the Gagliardi finalists. Running back Justin Beaver was a finalist in 2005, and won the award in 2007. Defensive tackle Ryan Kleppe was a finalist in 2006, Placekicker Jeff Schebler (the Fred Mitchell Award recipient) in 2009, and wide receiver Aaron Rusch was a finalist in 2010.

The Gagliardi Trophy will be presented on Wednesday, Dec. 14, in Salem, Va., home of the Stagg Bowl, at a banquet kicking off a series of D-III championship events. The final four candidates will be on hand for the banquet. The announcement of the winner and presentation of the trophy will be made at that time. The banquet will be broadcast on live video by D3football.com.

St. Thomas Coach Glenn Caruso: We will not be intimidated

2011-12-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

(In the adjacent photo – UST head coach Glenn Caruso and team leave field following its final home game this season – a national quarterfinal win over St. John Fisher (New York – photo courtesy of John Doman/Pioneer Press)

UW-Whitewater football team hosts St. Thomas on Saturday with a berth in the 2011 Division III national championship game riding on the games outcome.

Whitewater’s resume has been well documented.

The Warhawks have captured the last two D III ttles and three out of the past four. UW-Whitewater has made it to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl to meet iconic Division III power, Mount Union, each year beginning in 2005.

Coming up on Saturday the Hawks will host St. Thomas in NCAA Division III semifinal action at Perkins Stadium.

The Tommies come from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), a conference that was long dominated by St. Johns and its legendary head coach John Gagliardi.

Much like what Whitewater did to UW-La Crosse six years ago, the Tommies under UST head coach Glenn Caruso, ‘punched” the MIAC archrival Johnnies in the nose on the way to replacing St. Johns as the top football program in the MIAC.

Saturday’s game vs. the two Upper Midwest powers reminds me of Whitewater’s 2005 quarterfinal game vs. Linfield College out in McMinnville, Oregon.

Linfield entered the game as the defending NCAA national champions having won the title in 2004. The Wildcats were unbeaten going into its national quarterfinal game vs. Whitewater. The Hawks were unbeaten at the time but had yet to vault into the national discussion.

The Wahawks “shocked” Linfield that afternoon by defeating the defending champions 44-41 in one of the great games in Division III playoff history.

For Glenn Caruso and his No. 3 ranked Tommies the “Road to Salem” will take his team to Whitewater on Saturday.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press has a Q & A story with Caruso in today’s (Tuesday’s) edition. To read the article CLICK HERE

Brian Borland one of three on the 2011 D III Assistant Coach of the Year Award Ballot

2011-12-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

UW-Whitewater defensive coordinator Brian Borland is one of three assistant coaches on the ballot for the 2011 Division III Coordinator of the Year Award.

Now in its fourth year the 2011FootballScoop Award recognizes the most outstanding position coaches or coordinators in Division III football.

Joining Borland on the ballot are St. Thomas defensive coordinator Wallie Kuchinski and Cal Lutherans Clay Richardson.

Previous winners of the Division III Coordinator of the Year award are Glen Fowles (Willamette, 2008), Jim Zebrowski (Wisconsin-Whitewater, 2009) and Vince Kehres (Mount Union, 2010).

Finalists were selected based off of nominations by coaches, athletic directors, and athletic department personnel. A panel of coaches, including previous recipients, will determine the the 2011 winner.

Voting for this award ends on Tuesday December 13th.

For more information and to cast your vote for the 2011 Division III Coordinator of the Year Award CLCK HERE

Voice's random thoughts on a Monday morning

2011-12-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

• Congratulations Warhawks on another solid playoff victory – this time over Salisbury. The competition will be even stronger on Saturday when St. Thomas comes to town.

• St. Thomas is the real deal and brings a 13 & 0 mark into Saturday’s national semifinal game.

• As I have been accumulating info on the Tommies I started to think the UST and UWW are almost mirror images of each other both offensively and defensively. But that is just me thinking??!!!

• St. Thomas head coach Glenn Caruso was on the Mark Rosen’s Sports Sunday on WCCO TV in Minneapolis. Caruso himself describes the two teams as very similar. He also said the UW-Whitewater football is what all other D3 programs strive to be.

• To watch the show check out the Warhawkfootball.com Newswire and link onto the WCCO program.

• Make sure to listen to tonight’s (Monday) the KOOL 106.5 UW-Whitewater Coaches Show. Lance will be our guest beginning a 6 p.m. The show is available via audio stream and will also be available via podcast.

• The UST vs. UWW semifinal will match UST’s rush defense (46 yds per game), ranked No. 1 in the nation, vs. UWW’s “pound the rock” rushing attack. BTW – Whitewater’s rush defense isn’t too shabby as its ranked No. 4 in the country giving up 72 yards on the ground each game.

• What about on offense? According to NCAA stats entering this past weekend, Both Whitewater and St. Thomas average 445 yards per game. UST averages 45 points per game – UWW 40 points per game. Verrrry Interesting!

• Over the past seven seasons the Warhawks have been involved in memorable semifinal games – Saturday’s game vs. St. Thomas is the MOST intriguing, at least in my mind.

• You can bet “the farm” that St. Thomas will bring a huge contingent down to the Perk on Saturday. For Warhawk fans – BE COOL and plan on partying at the Perk as the Hawks strive for a seventh consecutive trip to the Stagg Bowl.

• Does making a “championship run” ever get old? I don’t think so.

• I’ve been on this crusade criticizing Warhawk fans for showing up in pathetically small numbers so far here in the playoffs. I must admit that I wasn’t all that upset at Saturday’s small “crowd,” If I were just a fan I probably would have stayed home due to the rain.

• What’s was up with Irv’s PA announcement’s to the fans (that made the effort to be at the game despite the rain) to refrain from using umbrella’s except in the two sections of the main grandstand farthest to the south?

• Being wet and cold, I don’t think the fans were really listening.

• In the press box we were waiting for Irv to give the announcement that there was room for fans in the north end of the stands and could fans please bunch together.

Plan on being cool by partying at the Perk on Saturday

2011-12-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

For the UW-Whitewater football team to get back to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl for a seventh consecutive year the Hawks will need to beat No. 3 St. Thomas on Saturday at Perkins Stadium.

The players have missed you at the first three playoff games. They tell me they miss the energy Hawks fans bring to the Perk on a Warhawk football Saturday.

Both the Warhawks and St. Thomas are capable of winning the national title later this month. I have been told that a very large St. Thomas fan contingent will be on hand. Remember the fans that St. Johns brought down to the Perk in 2005 and 2006?

Lets make the Perk rock on Saturday like it did during the regular season.

To fire Hawk fans up I am going to give you a video each day this week to help you get your “game face” on.

Today’s video comes from Camp Randall Stadium back in October when Nebraska came to Mad Town. BTW, earlier that day that over 10,000 fans ‘packed the Perk” to party and watch the Warhawks beat Stevens Point.

To Jump Around with over 80,000 U-Dub fans at the Camp CLICK HERE

Check out postgame press conferences following UST and UWW wins last Saturday

2011-12-04T17:38:00.000-08:00

UW-Whitewater (13-0) will host St. Thomas (13-0) in NCAA Division III playoff action on Saturday (12/10) at Perkins Stadium. The NCAA has set game-time for 2:30 p.m.

It will be the first appearance in the semifinal for St. Thomas. The Tommies defeated St. John Fisher (New York) 45-10 in quarterfinal play last Saturday in St. Paul.

St. Thomas enters Saturday’s national semifinal game vs. UW-Whitewater ranked No. 3 in the nation according to D3football.com

To view game highlights at postgame interviews CLICK HERE

UW-Whitewater (13-0) has advanced to its seventh consecutive NCAA Division III semifinal game on the heels of last Saturday’s 34-14 victory over Salisbury (Maryland) in a game played at Perkins Stadium.

The Warhawks enter Saturday’s Upper Midwest showdown against St. Thomas having won 43 consecutive games. The win streak is fifth longest in NCAA football history (any division).

To view the postgame UWW player’s postgame press conference following the victory over Salisbury CLICK HERE

No. 3 St. Thomas will bring a 13-0 record to Perkins Stadium on Saturday

2011-12-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

St. Thomas seniors quarterback Dakota Tracy and wide receiver Fritz Waldvogel used their experience to lead the St. Thomas football team to a 45-10 victory over St. John Fisher. After three years of bowing out in the NCAA quarterfinals, the team will finally get to experience the semifinals.

The Tommie seniors will leave the comforts of Palmer Field for good as UST travels down I 94/90 to Whitewater to play the two-time defending NCAA Division III national champion UW-Whitewater Warhawks with the winner of Saturday’s game earning a berth in the December 16th Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Salem, Virginia.

After three straight games in O’Shaughnessy Stadium in St. Paul, the Tommies will hit the road to play a Whitewater team that Caruso calls “the standard” in Division-III football.

“We are working hard to be in the position that Whitewater is in,” Caruso said. “This is such an enormous step for us because if we want to get there, we’ll have to go through them.”

The Warhawks have won the national championship three of the last four years and are undefeated and largely unchallenged this season.

Whitewater senior running back Levell Coppage has 1,919 yards and 27 touchdowns this season behind a big offensive line.

“They have a legitimate run game,” Caruso said. “Their offensive line is a lot like ours. Coach K (Wallie Kuchinski) and our defense are going to have their hands full this week.”

Whitewater advanced to its seventh consecutive berth in the semifinal round with a 34-14 victory over Salisbury (Maryland) Saturday afternoon at Perkins Stadium.

To view video highlights of the Tommies 45-10 quarterfinal win over St. John Fisher CLICK HERE

What has the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt written about UWW's win over Salisibury?

2011-12-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

Tom Haudicourt is one of the top Major League Baseball writers in America. The veteran baseball writer attended a game at Perkins Stadium during the regular season and indicated he'd be back to cover a Hawk game professionally. Haudicourt has been front and center in the Perkins Stadium press box the past three Saturdays.

To find out what Haudricourt has written about UW-Whitewater's 34-14 national quarterfinal win over Salisbury (Maryland) CLICK HERE

Warhawks join St. Thomas, Mount Union and Wesley in NCAA Division III semifinal

2011-12-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

Next Saturday's NCAA Division III semifinal games are set as UW-Whitewater, St. Thomas, Mount Union, and Wesley picked up quarterfinal victories Saturday.

Levell Coppage ran for 213 yards for UW-Whitewater and Matt Blanchard threw for 134 and ran for 62 more as UW-Whitewater defeated Salisbury 34-14. The Warhawks, who won their 43rd consecutive game overall, held the Sea Gulls' option offense to 244 yards rushing and 293 yards overall.

St. Thomas defeated St. John Fisher 45-10 to advance to play UW-Whitewater, reaching the national semifinals for the first time. The Cardinals were held to just 82 yards of total offense after a 51-yard drive to open the game gave St. John Fisher a 3-0 lead. But the Tommies got two touchdown catches from Fritz Waldvogel and Colin Tobin ran for 159 yards.

The Tommies will travel to Whitewater on Saturay. It will be the first national semifinal game in UST history.

Jeremy Murray returned for Mount Union and carried 25 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns as the Purple Raiders defeated Wabash 20-8. Mount Union has been in the semifinals 17th consecutive years. Neal Seaman got back on the field at quarterback this week, completing six of 10 passes for 36 yards, while Matt Piloto was 6-for-8 for 40 yards and Kevin Burke was 2-for-4 for 24. Mount Union held Wabash to 31 yards rushing.

Wesley held off a second-half comeback to win 27-24 at Mary Hardin-Baylor. The Wolverines rolled out to a 21-3 halftime lead before the Cru came back. UMHB's final drive was stopped on an incomplete pass at the Wesley 41-yard line. Shane McSweeny completed 15 of 22 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 114 yards in the win.

Mount Union will host Wesley in the other Division III semifinal game.

The NCAA is expected announce gametimes on Sunday

Whitewater and Mount Union are seeking a seventh consecutive matcnup in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl

2011 Gagliardi Trophy ... Vote for Blanchard

2011-11-30T20:08:00.000-08:00

Attention UW-Whitewater fans: Online fan voting is now underway for the 2011 Gagliardi Trophy.

Please take time to cast your vote for Matt Blanchard. The UW-Whitewater quarterback is one of 10 finalists for this year's award.

The Gagliardi Trophy is given annually to the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III by Jostens and the J-Club of St. John's University of Minnesota.

The collective vote by fans casting a ballot on D3football.com will be added to the votes submitted by the 38-member Gagliardi Trophy national selection committee. One vote per computer. Voting deadline is noon on Monday, December 5.

To cast your vote CLICK HERE

Battle Cry for Warhawk fans this weekend: No excuses not to be at the Perk

2011-11-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

(In the adjacent photo - inspired UW-Whitewater students braved the snow and cold to attend UW-Whitewater's 2005 national semifinal game vs. Wesley (Delaware). Could that inspiration and dedication return in time for a large crowd to show up at the Perk for Saturday's quarterfinal game vs. Salisbury (Maryland), a team that leads the nation averaging 47 points per game? - the photo is courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

The excuses for not attending Warhawk playoff
games at Perkins Stadium have diminished greatly this week. Thanksgiving has come and gone - Deer hunting season is over – and UW-Whitewater students, well you now have a THIRD location to pick up FREE – I repeat FREE tickets to Saturday’s playoff game vs. Salisbury (Mayland).

During the regular season the UW-Whitewater football team drew an average of 8,040 fans to its five games at Perkins Stadium. That was the highest per game average in the nation.

The Hawks playoff opener vs. Albion drew 1,211 to Perkins Stadium. Last Saturday – even less – as 1,083 spent part of their Thanksgiving weekend cheering on the Hawks at the Perk.

I’ve spoken to a number of players on the lack of fan interest for a team seeking a third consecutive national title. They are mystified on why fans flocked to the Perk during the regular season and have stayed away in droves the past couple of weeks.

Is it going to be cold on Saturday when the Hawks face an extremely dangerous team in Salisbury State (Maryland)? You bet!!

Maybe UW-Whitewater fans are bored with the playoff process having seen the Hawks make it all the way to Salem, Virginia for the past six Stagg Bowls.

When the “process” was still “new” back in 2005 – 5,480 showed up on a cold, snowy afternoon to watch the Hawks beat Wesley on an icy “track” in a Division III semifinal game at Perkins Stadium.

Hopefully some of that “fan energy” will return to the Perk on Saturday!

What area newspapers are saying

2011-11-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

UW-Whitewater rolled to its 42nd consecutive victory by routing Franklin College 41-14 in 2nd Round NCAA Division III playoff action on Saturday at Perkins Stadium. The following will link you to area newspaper articles detailing the Warhawk win.

FROM THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL - You often hear about football teams making defensive adjustments at halftime, but rarely do they work to this extreme.
Holding Franklin's spread offense to a total of 2 yards in the second half, the UW-Whitewater machine rolled on Saturday, blanking the Grizzlies after intermission to take a 41-14 victory in the second round of the Division III playoffs at Perkins Stadium.

The unstoppable Levell Coppage ran for 221 yards and three touchdowns in less than three quarters of action, but it was a defense led by linebacker Greg Arnold's two interceptions and fumble recovery that paved the way for Whitewater's 42nd consecutive victory, including a 12-0 mark this season.

To read Tom Haudricourt’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Story CLICK HERE

FROM THE JANESVILLE GAZETTE - After dropping two painful losses to Whitewater in the last 52 weeks, Franklin (Ind.) College coach Mike Leonard showed the movies “Rocky” and “Miracle” to inspire his team in its third attempt to pull the Hollywood-style upset against Whitewater.

But once again, the two-time defending national champion Whitewater made sure there was an anticlimactic ending against the Grizzlies.

Levell Coppage rolled up three touchdown runs, while senior linebacker Greg Arnold added two interceptions and fumble recovery to help top-ranked Whitewater roll to a 41-14 victory over Franklin in an NCAA Division III second round playoff battle at Perkins Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Whitewater (12-0), which extended its NCAA all-division best winning streak to 42, hosts Salisbury (Md.) College here at noon next Saturday in an NCAA Division III third-round game.

To read Tim Wester’s Janesville Gazette Story CLICK HERE

FROM THE DAILY JEFFERSON COUNTY UNION - The old adage goes "Defense wins championships." If that's the case, things look good for the UW-Whitewater foot¬ball team.

The Warhawk defense continued its hot streak Saturday as linebacker Greg Arnold intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble. Those turnovers led to 17 of UW-Whitewater's points in a 41-14 NCAA Round 2 victory over visiting Franklin in front of an announced crowd of 1,083 at Perkins Stadium.

The No. 1 ranked Warhawks (13-0 overall) will host Salisbury University (Md.) this Saturday in an NCAA quarterfinal contest.

"It was nice being able to get those turnovers. Our offense was able to capitalize on those turnovers," said Arnold, who missed three and half games this season with a leg injury. "It's always nice to see those turnovers created into points."

To read Josh Smith’s Daily Jefferson County Union Story CLICK HERE

Round 2 Franklin at UW-Whitewater: GAMEDAY CENTRAL

2011-11-26T05:49:00.000-08:00

Daily Jefferson County Union Preview Article CLICK HERE

Wisconsin State Journal Preview Article CLICK HERE

Live Stats CLICK HERE

KOOL 106.5 Game Broadcast CLICK HERE

UWW TV Game Telecast CLICK HERE

D3football.com Scoreboard/Live Stats CLICK HERE

** A reminder: You may follow UW-Whitewater football 24/7, 365 days a year by clicking onto one of the following two Websites:

Warhawkfootball.com CLICK HERE

Voices Eye on Football Blog CLICK HERE

Notes and Quotes heading into Round 2 playoff action

2011-11-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

• The key for Whitewater will be to jump on Franklin College early. Even with its 45-0 loss to Whitewater back in September the Grizzlies are averaging 40 points per game and sophomore quarterback Johny West has thrown for over 3300 yards and 31 touchdowns. He ranks 4th in NCAA Division III quarterback statistics.

• UW-Whitewater quarterback Matt Blanchard is no slouch either. The senior is ranked 6th in pass efficiency. Blanchard, who was named a 2011 Gagliardi Trophy finalist, has thrown for just over 2300 yards along with 20 passing touchdowns. Matt’s completion percentage is 68%. Last year Blanchard finished 2nd in pass efficiency.

• This year’s “national” bracketing will have an impact on the – quote – Whitewater bracket. The winner of Saturday’s Whitewater-Franklin game will play the winner of the Salisbury State (Maryland)-Kean (New Jersey) 2nd round game. If Whitewater wins Saturday the 3rd round playoff game will be played at Perkins Stadium.

• This year’s new “national” bracketing in the Division III Playoffs isn’t being favored by everybody. One of Saturday’s 2nd round games has Linfield (Oregon) flying 3500 miles to play Wesley College in Dover, Delaware. Linfield coach Joe Smith said deserves a better buildup. "It's great for Division III [but] it's ridiculous that it's in round two," Smith said. "I think that's an absolute sham. This should be a semifinal-type matchup, or at least a quarterfinal matchup, and I think that's a disservice to the two programs, but there are seven or eight teams [that can win the Stagg Bowl] and these are two of them."
• As of Friday evening at 5:30 it looks like it could be a wet day at Perkins Stadium. Hopefully we’ll be able to draw more than the 1211 that were in attendance at the Perk last Saturday.

• I criticized Warhawk football fans for not making it to Perkins Stadium last Saturday. It led me to do a full breakdown of round-one playoff attendance. I found that Whitewater fans weren’t the “lone rangers.”

• Only five of the 16 1st round playoff games exceeded regular season per game attendance average. Three of the sixteen 1st round playoff games drew attendance figures less than half the venues regular season per game attendance. The two locations – Mount Union and Whitewater.

NCAA Division III First Round Playoff Game Attendance Figures

2011-11-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

Note: The following is attendance figures for each of the 16 NCAA Division III playoff games played Saturday (Nov. 19) The first number is Saturday's attendance. The second figure in perentheses is the venues 2011 regular season per game attendance average)

(Whitewater Bracket)
Christopher Newport at Kean Attendance: 3943, (1812)
Western New England at Salisbury Attendance: 1183, (1699)
Thomas More at Franklin Attendance: 2850, (2820)
Albion at Wisconsin-Whitewater Attendance: 1211, (8040)

(Delaware Valley Bracket)
St. Scholastica at St. Thomas Attendance: 2350 (in snow storm), (4596)
Monmouth at Illinois Wesleyan Attendance: 2150, (1996)
St. John Fisher at Johns Hopkins Attendance: 1501, (1230)
Norwich at Delaware Valley Attendance: 1476, (2160)

(Mary Hardin-Baylor Bracket)
Redlands at Mary Hardin-Baylor Attendance: 1962, (2956)
McMurray at Trinity (TX) Attendance: 1373, (2022)
Cal Lutheran at Linfield Attendance: 1552, (2432)
Hobart at Wesley Attendance: 1531, (1738)

(Mount Union Bracket)I
llinois College at Wabash Attendance: 1359 (rain), (4509)
Dubuque at North Central Attendance: 1576, (2646)
Hampden-Sydney at Centre Attendance: 1312, (964)
Benedictine at Mount Union Attendance: 1823, (4043)

- Five of the sixteen 1st round playoff games exceeded regular season per game attendance average.

- Three of the sixteen 1st round playoff games drew attendance figures less than half the venues regular season per game attendance. The two locations – Mount Union and Whitewater

Leipold: This game is over, now we focus on Franklin

2011-11-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

UW-Whitewater head coach Lance Leipold knows the Road to Salem is a month-long battle. Step 1 on the playoff road had few bumps as the Warhawks rolled to a 59-0 win over mistake prone Albion College.

(In the adjacent photo - UW-Whitewater head coach Lance Leipold leads his team out of the lockeroom prior to Saturday's playoff opening win over Albion College - Photo is courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

Whitewater forced three consecutive turnovers followed by three Levell Coppage touchdowns to give the Warhawks a 21-0 lead on its first three possessions.

The Wahawks scored the first five times it had the ball. Whitewater led 24-0 after the first quarter. 38-0 at halftime. With the second unit taking over in the third quarter the Hawks upped the lead to 52-0 after three quarters prior to adding a TD in the 4th quarter.

The 59 points is the most Whitewater has scored in an NCAA playoff game since defeating Lakeland College 70-7 November 21, 2009.

To view Coach Leipold's postgame press conference CLICK HERE

NCAA Division III 1st Round Playoff Scores

2011-11-19T19:34:00.000-08:00

(Whitewater Bracket)
UW-Whitewater 59, Albion 0
Franklin 24, Thomas More 21
Kean 34, Christopher Newport 10
Salisbury 62, Western New England 24

(Delaware Valley Bracket)
St. Thomas 48, St. Scholastica 2
Monmouth 33, Illinois Wesleyan 27 (3 OT)
St. John Fisher 23, Johns Hopkins 12
Delaware Valley 62, Norwich 10

(Mary Hardin-Baylor Bracket)
Mary Hardin-Baylor 34, Redlands 13
McMurry 25, Trinity (Tex) 16
Linfield 30, Cal Lutheran 27
Wesley 35, Hobart 28

(Mount Union Bracket)
Wabash 30, Illinois College 20
North Central 59, Dubuque 13
Centre 61, Hamden-Sydney 41
Mount Union 47, Benedictine 7

Warhawks to face Franklin College in Round 2 of the Playoffs

2011-11-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

The UW-Whitewater will meet a familiar foe in round-two of the NCAA Division III playoffs. The Hawks play Franklin College next Saturday. Franklin (10-1) held on to defeat Thomas More College (Kentucky) 24-21 in its playoff opener Saturday in Franklin (Indiana).

Franklin dominated play most of the first half and took a 17-0 advantage into the halftime intermission. But the Saints (9-2) struck back in the third quarter with a pair of touchdowns to pull to within three points.

The Grizzlies got some breathing room when sophomore quarterback Jonny West hit a wide open senior wingback Logan Worley on a 6-yard pass play to put FC up 24-14 with 13:14 to play in the game.

West completed 26 of 44 passes for 228 yards and one touchdown with an interception. Sophomore split end Kyle Linville made eight catches and Cook rushed for 44 yards and his TD on 12 carries.

Franklin gained 323 yards of total offense as a team to Thomas More’s 246 total.
For full story on Franklin-Thomas More game CLICK HERE

Next Saturday’s Franklin-Whitewater matchup will be the third time the two teams have met in the past 12 months.

The Warhawks travelled to Franklin in week-2 back in September. The Hawks beat the Griz 45-0 in the non-conference game. The two teams also met in last year’s playoff opener at Perkins Stadium. The Griz were down by a 21-14 score at halftime before Whitewater exploded for a 52-21 victory.

The NCAA will announce the site of next Saturday’s game sometime on Sunday.

UW-Whitewater routs turnover-prone Albion in playoff opener

2011-11-19T16:03:00.000-08:00

(In the photo above - Jaren Borland (43) gets a convoy off the field after scoring the first of two touchdowns in UW-Whitewater's 59-0 1st round playoff win over Albion College - photo courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater scored the first five times it touched the ball, with both the defense and special teams contributing, and extended the nation's longest active win streak to 41 games with a 59-0 win over Albion College in a NCAA III playoff first round game at Perkins Stadium in Whitewater, Wisconsin Saturday.

The 59 points is the most Whitewater has scored in an NCAA playoff game since defeating Lakeland College 70-7 November 21, 2009 in Whitewater. It is the most points Whitewater has scored in any game, regular season or playoff, since topping UW-River Falls 63-14 October 23, 2010 in River Falls.

UW-Whitewater, 11-0, will play Franklin College (IN), a 24-21 winner over Thomas More in another first round game, next Saturday in a NCAA playoff second round (sweet sixteen) game. The location of that game will be announced late Sunday.

To read Micheal Bleach's game-story in the Wisconsin State-Journal CLICK HERE

GAME DAY CENTRAL (Albion College at UW-Whitewater)

2011-11-18T20:49:00.000-08:00

Albion College (6-4) vs. UW-Whitewater (10-0)
12-noon kickoff at Perkins Stadium

Ticket Information: $11 Adult, $5 youth, students, senior citizens

Parking Information: $10 preferred, $5 general

Campus Map CLICK HERE
• Special Note for Warhawk football fans: Free hot dogs and soda (pop) at the Coulthart Family Pavilion, starting at 10 am. Food will be available while supplies last.

Live Stats CLICK HERE

KOOL 106.5 Broadcast CLICK HERE

UWW TV Telecast CLICK HERE

2011 NCAA Division III Playoff Bracket CLICK HERE

Whitewater Bracket Team Capsules CLICK HERE

UWW-Albion Pregame Notes CLICK HERE

For Greg Arnold football is a family affair

2011-11-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

UW-Whitewater’s Greg Arnold views his college football career a bit differently than most. The Hawks’ senior “mike” linebacker is also a father of twin daughters and family life has been a major factor in his success in the classroom and on the playing field.

With all on his “table” the senior from Mukwonago relishes in the “family” mentality both on and off the field.

“It is my girlfriend Jenny,” Arnold tells Warhawkfootball.com. “She is the one I give all the thanks to. She is the one that makes it possible for me to play this great game of football.”

(In the adjacent photo – Greg Arnold experiences the “play’ of his senior season by being escorted onto the field on Senior Day along with his twin daughters and family – photo courtesy of Leah Thyne, UW-Whitewater athletics)

Being named UW-Whitewater’s defensive captain prior to the season brought with it additional responsibility – a trait that Arnold has accepted while balancing his life while in college.

“It makes you grow as a man and to get your priorities straight,” Arnold said. “You learn to understand how you need to do things. It definitely helps me in my play.”

Arnold has spent half his senior season hobbled by a high ankle sprain. Hurt in the first half of Whitewater’s 42-21 win over Stout on October 14th, Arnold missed the next three-and-a-half games.

The preseason All-American was allowed to dress for the Eau Claire game on November 5th but did not play. Greg’s return vs. La Crosse last week allowed the “man in the middle” to rid himself of plenty of frustration’ by leading the Hawks with 10 tackles in the game.

“I was definitely itching to get out there,” Arnold reflects. “It was great to be able to rejoin my teammates on the field and I just wanted to make the most of it.”

As far as being a senior and do you dwell on the fact that each game could be the last of your career?

“Definitely, but as a team we have that humble confidence that we are going to succeed,” Arnold said. “We know that it could be our last game but we’re not going to let that happen.”

Until the final snap: Albion senior puts transplant on hold for football

2011-11-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

(Editor’s Note: Albion College defensive tackle Julian Paksi is expected to be in the Tigers’ starting line-up Saturday in Albion’s playoff opener at UW-Whitewater. Paksi is on the field despite being diagnosed with a rare form of cancers following the 2010 season. The following is a feature story written by Mick McCabe of the Detroit Free Press)

The 2010 Albion College football season was over, and Julian Paksi felt like he always did at the end of a season: Beat up.

Paksi, 5-feet-11, 240 pounds, was the smallest guy on Albion's defensive line. It was not unusual for him to battle against linemen 35 to 40 pounds heavier.
A full season of pounding on every play makes a guy want to take the rest of the semester's classes in the whirlpool.

"Every time I got in bed, I was having a weird stretch right on my side, a weird pain," he said. "It was more of a throbbing feeling. It just irritated me; it wouldn't go away."

Something was wrong – very wrong.

Paksi made an appointment last Dec. 23 with his family doctor in St. Johns, who promptly sent him to the local hospital for a CT scan and then to Lansing's Sparrow Hospital for more tests.

"Two days later, they called us at my house and said it was cancer and he was going to need more appointments."

Paksi should have been anywhere but on the field for his senior season at Albiion,. His college football career should have ended last winter when he was diagnosed with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, which left a vascular tumor in his liver.

The cancer is so rare that the only cure is a liver transplant. Paksi should have been placed on the transplant list long before practice began in August. But that would have ended his chance for a senior season

Paksi was faced with the possibility that he would never play another football game, because once he was on the transplant list he could be called at any moment.
But that did not seem like a viable option for Paksi.

"I love football," he said. "It's been a part of me all my life. I wanted a last year so bad. I wanted to be with my class. I knew we were going to be a good team this year. I just didn't want to give it up right away."

Those who know Paksi knew he was not going to give up football without a fight, which is exactly what he told Albion coach Craig Rundle. He did not want to give it up after high school, which is why he is at Albion, majoring in physical education.

To read the entire story on Julian Paksi’s incredible journey through his senior season CLICK HERE

Hawks begin preparations for Playoff opener vs. Albion College

2011-11-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

The UW-Whitewater football team has begun preparations for the first leg of on this year’s “Road to Salem.” A spirited practice session took place Tuesday afternoon as the focus now turns to the postseason. Watching practice it was evident that the energy level was ratcheted up a notch.

Whitewater (10-0) opens the playoffs Saturday by hosting Albion College (6-4), the champions of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAA). Kickoff is set for 12-Noon.

For Warhawk fans – There will be FREE hot dogs, pop and beer at the Coulthart Family Pavilion adjacent to the stadium beginning at 10 a.m. Food will be available while the supply lasts.

Parking information: $10 preferred, $5 general

Attention UW-Whitewater students: Free student tickets are available at two locations:DLK Enterprises: 144 Tratt Street, and Residence Life: Goodhue 1st Floor.

*Tickets are reserved for students who reside in DLK Enterprises or Residence Halls and can be picked up during normal business hours. Photo ID is required.Tickets are available while supplies last.

Albion College football team about to enter rare territory

2011-11-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

When the Adrian College football team ventures Saturday to Wisconsin-Whitewater, the Bulldogs will encounter a rare challenge for both the program and Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association football.

Adrian opens its season at No. 1 Whitewater, the defending NCAA Division III national champions.

The Adrian football program has never faced either a top-ranked team or defending national champion, according to athletic director Mike Duffy. In 1980, the Bulldogs played Denison University, a top-five team and preseason top pick by Sports Illustrated.

Adrian becomes the first MIAA team to play a top-ranked opponent since Hope faced the University of Mount Union (Ohio) in the 2006 Division III playoffs.

The Bulldogs are the first MIAA team to play a defending national champion in the regular season since 1999. Here is a list of MIAA games against defending champs (information provided by the MIAA).

First look at Round 1 opponent Albion College

2011-11-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a first look at the Albion College Britons – UW-Whitewater’s first round opponent in the 2011 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs

Albion College’s desire to gain sole possession of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association football championship was clearly evident from the opening kickoff of last Saturday’s regular season finale - as the Brits put the exclamation point on its 34th league title with a 41-14 victory over Trine University in front of a packed house at Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium.

“We talked about (the outright MIAA title) all week,” Albion Coach Craig Rundle admitted after the contest. “We didn’t want to share it with anyone. Trine has been a great team the last three years, winning the league and doing it outright themselves. We thought we could measure ourselves pretty well if we could do the same thing.”

The Brits 6 & 4 record includes a 6 & 0 mark in-conference. In non-conference action
Albion lost to Wheaton, DePauw, Butler and UW-Stevens Point. The Pointers defeated the Brits 14-3 in Albion, Michigan on September 24th.

For more information on the Albion College Britons CLICK HERE

2011 Division III Football playoff bracket categorized as wild and crazy

2011-11-13T17:41:00.000-08:00

D3football.com categorizes the 2011 NCAA Division III football playoff bracket this way… What a wild and crazy bracket!

Whitewater is located on the top of the far left portion of the bracket. The first four teams make sense – after that it looks like a travel agent’s nightmare!
Gone is the traditional East, North, South & West regional concept.

The NCAA has severely limited pairings that require a team to be flown to a location – especially through the first two rounds.

That will not be the case this year. My count has nine games matching team from “different regions.”

UW-Whitewater’s bracket will have the winner of the UWW-Albion game playing the winner of the Franklin-Thomas More game in second round action.

The third round game will match the traditional North region teams vs. one of four “East region” teams.

Kean (NJ) plays Christopher Newport (VA) while Salisbury (MD) plays Western New England (MA). The winner from that side-bracket will play the winner of the Whitewater sub-bracket in 3rd round action.

For a complete look at the 2011 Division III Championship Bracket CLICK HERE

Warhawks to host Albion (Michigan) in D III Playoff opener

2011-11-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

The NCAA Division III playoff brackets were released Sunday evening and it didn’t take long for UW-Whitewater fans to get the information they were looking for - UW-Whitewater was the first school announced as part of the 2011 bracket.

The Warhawks will play Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion Albion College in 1st round action on Saturday (11/19) in a 12-noon start at Perkins Stadium.

To view NCAA.com’s Division III playoff bracket show CLICK HERE

8,040 per game at the Perk: Thank you Warhawk fans!

2011-11-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

The UW-Whitewater football team opens defense of its 2010 NCAA Division III championship on Saturday.

UW-Whitewater football has already secured one championship already this season!

Saturday’s crowd of 6,237 at Perkins Stadium allowed UW-Whitewater to secure the 2011 NCAA Division III regular season football attendance title.

Whitewater’s cumulative attendance this season was 40,199 which translates into an average of 8,040 for each of UWW’s five home games in 2011.

According to official NCAA Division III statistics – Hampden-Sydney College (Virginia) ends the regular season ranked 2nd at 7,997 per game.

St. Johns (Minnesota) finished the season ranked 3rd with a per game average of 7,699 for each of the Johnnies six home games.

St. Johns has dominated the lead in Division III attendance in recent years. The Johnnies had led Division III regular season attendance for the past 10 years – and 14 of the previous 17 years.

Hawk defense impressive in win over La Crosse on Saturday

2011-11-13T01:40:00.000-08:00

(In the photo above – UWW linebacker Greg Arnold gets a little help from his teammates on a first half tackle of La Crosse running back Ben Hertrampt. Arnold led the Hawks with 10 tackles – photo courtesy of Josh Smith, Daily Jefferson County Union)

The UW-Whitewater defense geared up for its playoff run with an outstanding performance in Saturday’s 17-3 regular season finale victory over UW-La Crosse at Perkins Stadium.

Brian Borland’s defense held the Eagles to 182 yards offensively, including just 69 yards on the ground. UWL tailback Ben Hertrampf was limited to 39 yards on 17 carries.

Back after several weeks on the sideline with an injury, UWW middle linebacker Greg Arnold made his presence felt by leading the Hawks with a 10 tackle afternoon.

“It was good just to be able to practice this week,” Arnold indicated after the game. “It was awesome to be able to be back at it again.”

Following a below-par defensive performance at Eau Claire, Arnold said his unit was “amped up” to enter the playoffs on a role.

“We wanted to set a statement for the league and the rest of the country what our (Warhawk) defense it all about,” Arnold said. “To be able to go into the playoffs off a good performance is encouraging.”

While La Crosse gave Whitewater everything it could handle, Eagle’s head coach Joel Detwiller talked after the game about the learning curve for a young team vs. an experienced team like the Warhawks.

"That's what we talked about heading into the game," Dettwiler told La Crosse Tribune writer Joel Badzinski following Saturday’s game.. "We're going to have opportunities and it's pass or fail. We battled ... but when it came down to it, on the average they're better at their positions. They're more savvy, they've played more games. They're at a point in their program where they expect to make those plays and we try to make those plays."

Saturday’s Wahawk win was the eighth straight over the archrival Eagles.

Next up for the two-time defending Division III national champions will be the playoffs that begin next Saturday. The NCAA Division III playoff field will be announced Sunday (today). Whitewater, as the WIAC champion, has an automatic bid. The selection show is online only, at 5 p.m. on ncaa.com.

Hawks complete 3rd straight unbeaten regular season with 17-3 win over La Crosse

2011-11-13T01:34:00.000-08:00

(In the photo above - Tyler Huber goes up high for one of his 10 receptions in UWW's 17-3 win over La Crosse on Saturday - photo courtesy of Josh Smith, Daily Jefferson County Union)

The UW-Whitewater football team wrapped up a third consecutive unbeaten regular season Saturday afternoon with a 17-3 win over UW-La Crosse at Perkins Stadium.

The game marked the second time the two teams had squared off this season. Whitewater defeated the Eagles 26-7 in the mandated “in-conference – non-conference game at La Crosse to open the season.

The 17 points was the lowest scoring output for the Warhawks this season.

Eric Kindler’s 23 yd field goal late in the 1st quarter gave the Hawks a 3-0 lead.

Whitewater extended the lead to 10-0 on a 13 yd pass from Matt Blanchard to Luke Menzel with exactly one minute remaining in the first half.

Whitewater put together its longest drive of the game on its first possession of the 2nd half. Levell Coppage capped the 13-play, 74 yard drive by slashing into the end zone from 6 yards out to give the Warhawks a 17-0 lead with 9:15 remaining in the third quarter.

That would do it in the scoring department for the Warhawks.

UWL averted a shutout on Justin Huinker’s 24 yd field goal early in the 4th quarter.

The UWL defense held Levell Coppage to a season low 68 yards rushing. The senior tailback did catch 4 passes for 34 yards. He also returned punts for the Warhawks with 5 returns for 112 yards including a 42 yard effort in the 4th quarter.

The Eagles may have slowed down Whitewater’s running game but that was not the case in stopping the Hawks’ passing attack.

Matt Blanchard torched the UWL defense with a 26 for 34 afternoon for a season-high 269 yards an a touchdown.

While Blanchard spread the catches among six Warhawks, Tyler Huber was his primary target. The junior receiver caught 10 passes for 123 yards. Luke Menzel added 6 receptions for 62 yards including a touchdown.

Whitewater’s defense was outstanding limiting the Eagles 182 yards including just 69 yards on the ground.

Greg Arnold, seeing his first action since early in the Oshkosh game, led the Hawk D with 10 tackles. Noah Timm added 8 stops. Ryan Wenkman’s interception was his 6th of the season.

Whitewater extended it's win streak to 40 games, the longest active streak in college football. The streak also moved into a tie with the University of Washington (1908-1914) for the fifth longest in NCAA history, any Division.

The Warhawks now await word on its road in NCAA III championship playoffs, which we will begin Saturday, November 19th. The tournament bracket will be announced at 5 p.m. Sunday evening.

UW-Whitewater claims Division III attendance title

2011-11-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

The attendance number to beat today at Perkins Stadium was 6,025. The attendance figure was just released. Today's crowd of 6,203 means the UW-Whitewater claims the 2011 per game attendance championship edging out Hampde-Sydney College (Virgina)for the No. 1 spot in Division III this season.

2011-11-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

The Hawks draw first blood on a 23 yard Eric Kindler FG (11 play, 61 yd drive)with 1:36 left in 1st qt.

End of 1st QT UWW 3, UWL 0

Hawk fans primed for season finale at the Perk

2011-11-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

Still 45 minutes to kickoff and Wahawk fans are getting ready with some serious parking lot tailgating. Tdoay's game is designated Senior Day, Shrine Day and Military Appreciation Day.

Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m.

UW-La Crosse at UW-Whitewater GAME DAY CENTRAL

2011-11-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

UW-Whitewater looks to wrap up a third consecutive unbeaten regular season this afternoon by hosting UW-La Crosse. It will be the second game between the two WIAC archrivals this season. Whitewater defeated the Eagles 26-7 in the season-opener back on Sept. 3 in La Crosse. The game was the WIAC mandated in-conference / non-conference game.

Hopefully the following links will assist you in enjoying today’s UWW-UWL game!

Live Stats CLICK HERE

KOOL 106.5 Live Audio CLICK HERE

UWW TV Live Video CLICK HERE

Daily Jefferson County Union Game Preview Story CLICK HERE

Wisconsin State Journal Game Preview Story CLICK HERE

I'll be blogging throughout the game today on the Voices Eye on Football Blog.

To follow Voice's game-day blog CLICK HERE

Enjoy the game everybody and GO WARHAWKS!

16th Annual Wally and Rod's Warhawk Raffle/Auction Saturday

2011-11-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

(In the photo above - Organizers have the Hamilton Center in the James R. Connor University Center set up in advance of Saturday night's 6th Annual Wally and Rod's Warhawk Raffle-Auction - Tom Pattison photo)

(Editor's Note: The following story on Saturday night's UW-Whitewater football, men's basketball and baseball Raffle-Auction, written by Jeff Seisser, was published in the Friday, November 11th edition of the Daily Jefferson County Union)

WHITEWATER - What started out as casual conversation over a sandwich and a beer has turned into 16 years of fundraising for the UW-Whitewater athletics.

This Saturday the 16th Annual Wally and Rod's Warhawk Raffle/Auction takes place in the Hamilton Room of the James R. Connor University Center on the UW-W campus.

Following the No. 1 ranked UW-Whitewater football team's regular-season finale against UW-La Crosse.

Tickets are only $10, and includes food, beverages and a chance to win a number of raffle prizes, including the $2,000 Grand Prize.

It's the major annual fundraiser for the UW-W football, men's basketball and baseball programs.

"Rod Berg, Wally (Schilberg) and I got talking," said former Warhawk men's basketball coach Dave Vander Meulen. "It was just a casual meeting talking about any new ideas about how to raise funds; at Division III schools you're always in need of raising funds."

"It was Wally that said, 'You should think about having auction,' " recalled Vander Meulen of the late Schilberg, a native of Milton.

"From there we went," Vander Meulen said.

Schilberg put Whitewater in touch with Milton auctioneer Bob Johnson, who has served as the auctioneer every year since.

"The nicest part of it is that people come out just anxious to help," said Vander Meulen. "They wouldn't have to show up, they just show up and enjoy the night, and in the process help out Whitewater athletics."

It began as a fundraiser for basketball, in particular the Warhawk Tip-Off Club. It has since branched off to football's Quarterback Club and even baseball's Dugout Club.

"Not only was it beneficial financially for us, but it was something where people came to donate money, but also get something in return in a lot of things they were bidding on," said Vander Meulen. "They weren't just making a donation, but taking home something they could have."

Some of the items include a Sanibel Island vacation package, a Prince Fielder All-Star canvas, quilts, oak chests, Aaron Rodgers and Clay Mathews Super Bowl canvas, and much, much more. A complete list of items can be found on warhawkfootball.com.

Vander Meulen is only one of many board members and volunteers. Others include Berg, Don Hornickel, Mike Mikkelsen, Lowell Hagen and Therese Kennedy, among others.

"I can't say enough for what they do," said Vander Meulen. "It involves some time - we're talking 16 years. It's not a one-shot deal and then gone, we're back again the next year."

Doors open Saturday at 5 p.m. The auction begins at 6:30 p.m., with prize drawings starting at 9:30 p.m.

Division III playoff brackets will be announced late Sunday afternoon

2011-11-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

(The adjacent graphic is courtesy of D3football.com)

Coming up this weekend the NCAA will be releasing the brackets for the NCAA Division III Football Championship via an NCAA.com video stream, with the selection show scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. CT on Sunday, Nov. 13.

With the selection process imminent the one thing UW-Whitewater fans know for sure is that the Warhawks have already gained a berth into the playoff field by way of the earning school’s seventh consecutive WIAC conference championship with its victory last week at UW-Eau Claire.

If the Warhawks defeat UW-La Crosse on Saturday Whitewater will have completed a third consecutive unbeaten regular season. The win also would be UW-Whitewater’s 40th consecutive victory over three years.

A 10 & 0 regular season mark will most likely earn UW-Whitewater a No. 1 seed in either the West region or the North region. The question is which region will UWW be placed in.

Three of the past four years Whitewater has been moved out of the West and into the North to properly balance the four Division III regions. At the same time, Mount Union was moved from the North to the East for the same reason.

Pat Coleman is the Executive Editor of D3football.com and is universally considered one of the foremost authorities on NCAA Division III football.

The Fury Files Blog has published an in depth feature on Coleman and his D3sports.com empire. It gives the reader an inside look at Coleman, Division III football and a look at the upcoming playoffs and if a UW-Whitewater vs. Mount Union VII is in the offing. It is a great read!

To read the Fury Files feature on Coleman CLICK HERE

6000+ crowd Saturday at the Perk will earn UW-Whitewater the 2011 Division III attendance title

2011-11-10T04:48:00.000-08:00

The recent resume is staggering. Seven consecutive WIAC titles, six consecutive appearances for Mount Union in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Salem, Virginia, and three NCAA Division national titles in the past four years. The Warhawks open the 2011 Division III playoffs in first round action on November 19th.

On Saturday, UW-Whitewater fans have the opportunity to capture its own national title with a large crowd at Perkins Stadium.

With a crowd of 6,026 vs. UW-La Crosse, UW-Whitewater will capture the 2011 NCAA Division III per game, home attendance title.

According to official NCAA Division III attendance statistics released earlier this week, Hampden-Sydney College ended the home portion of its 2011 schedule by drawig 39,987 fans (7,997 per game) to Everett Stadium in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia.

UW-Whitewater enters the final day of the regular season averaging 8,491 to each of its first four home games of the season (No. 1 in Division III). UWW’s cumulative attendance through four home games is 33,962.

As previously indicated a crowd of 6,026 will be required to pass Hampden-Sydney’s home attendance figure and give UW-Whitewater the 2011 Division III per game attendance title.

Last year, St. Johns (Minn) was the Division III football attendance leader for the 10th year in a row and the 14th time in 18 seasons.

With six home games at this season SJU drew 46,191 to Clemens Stadium in Collegeville to lead the nation in cumulative Division III attendance.

Sunshine and temperatures in the mid-to-upper 40s is forecast for game-time Saturday. NO EXCUSES – lets Pack the Perk on Saturday!

Second time around for Hawks and Eagles

2011-11-10T03:39:00.000-08:00

UW-La Crosse’s first year head coach Joel Dettwiler will bring a vastly improved team into Perkins Stadium than the one that lost 27-7 to Whitewater in the season opener back on September 3.

UW-L finished with just 119 yards of offense, including 79 rushing and 40 passing. The Eagles were held to nine first downs and were two-of-11 on third-down.

Despite the lopsided loss, Dettwiler found more than a few positives in his young team’s play.

After facing defending national champion Whitewater the Eagles travelled to 5th ranked Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas). UWL gave still unbeaten UMHB its toughest game of the season.

La Crosse took a 20-17 lead through three quarters of the game played down in Belton, Texas. The nationally ranked Cru scored 10 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to secure the come from behind victory.

The primary difference between the week-one Eagles and the week-ten Eagles is the team’s offensive capabilities.

Mary Hardin-Baylor will likely be named one of four No. 1 seeds when the 2011 NCAA Division III playoff brackets are announced Sunday evening.

In its three wins La Crosse has scored 30 points or more.

It was UWL that shocked UW-Oshkosh 30-24 in overtime knocking the nationally ranked Titans out of playoff contention. The La Crosse win allowed Whitewater to clinch at least a share of a seventh consecutive WIAC title.

Last week at River Falls the Eagles fell 28-21 to the Falcons at Ramer Field.

UWL was forced to play the game without starting quarterback Mike Butterfield who was suspended by Coach Dettwiler earlier in the week for “violation of team policy.”

Butterfield is not expected to play at Whitewater on Saturday.

On last Monday evening’s KOOL 106.5 UW-Whitewater Coaches Show, Hawk head coach Lance Leipold indicated that La Crosse will come into Perkins Stadium highly motivated.

“They’ve continued to get better all season,” Leipold indicated on Monday night’s radio show. “They (UWL) are working extremely hard and I know they are coming to our place Saturday with one thing on their mind – to beat Whitewater.”

UW-Whitewater closes the 2011 regular season with the annual Senior Day and Shrine Game Saturday afternoon at Perkins Stadium. Kick-off is set for 1:05 p.m.

17 seniors set for regular season finale at the Perk

2011-11-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

One of the primary aspects to the success of UW-Whitewater program each year is due to the leadership of the team’s senior class.

The parents of the 17 seniors will escort their son onto the field at Perkins Stadium prior to the Warhawks final regular season home game on Saturday.

The 2011 seniors include: Sam Overton, Cory Robinson, Matt Blanchard, Kris Rosholt, Brian Gensick, Ernest James, Jared Kiesow, Levell Coppage, Greg Arnold, Kevin Utz, Jake Keeser, Ryan Olson, Alex Misialek, Logan Allemand, Jason Ford, Zach Cook and Casey Casper.

Each preseason Warhawk head coach Lance Leipold makes it clear for the need of the seniors to assume leadership roles both on and off the field for the team to achieve its goals.

I’ll have more on the 2011 seniors here on Voices Eye on Football Blog later this week.

Whitewater closes out the regular season by hosting UW-La Crosse at Perkins Stadium Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.

The Mount Union saga continues in the Ohio Athletic Conference

2011-11-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

(In the above photo - Mount Union wide receiver Chris Denton catches the game winning touchdown catch against Baldwin-Wallace (Photo by JT Higgins)

Matt Piloto's 29-yard touchdown pass to Chris Denton on fourth down with 2:14 left in the game gave Mount Union a 25-20 comeback victory over Baldwin-Wallace on Saturday afternoon.

The win secured the Purple Raiders' 20th consecutive Ohio Athletic Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs for the 23rd time. Mount Union (9-0, 8-0 OAC) is ranked No. 2 by the AFCA and d3football.com, and No. 1 in the NCAA North Region.

Piloto, making his first career regular-season start, finished 18 of 32 passing for 231 yards and two touchdowns, both to Denton.

Denton, a junior, finished with a career-best seven catches for 111 yards.
Junior running back Jeremy Murray led the Mount Union running attack with 28 carries for 155 yards and one touchdown.

Facing a 19-0 deficit with just over four minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter., the Yellow Jackets (7-2, 6-2) scored 20 straight points, taking the lead with 5:53 remaining when Andrew Dziak (14 carries, 41 yards rushing, two TDs) went in from a yard out. It was the first time the Purple Raiders trailed in the fourth quarter of a regular-season game since Oct. 10, 2009 (28-21 win at Capital).

Voice's Monday Morning Random Thoughts

2011-11-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

• Congratulations to the UW-Whitewater football team on securing ANOTHER WIAC championship. Seven consecutive, including six out-right conference titles since 2005 – AMAZING!

• The Warhawks have now won 39 consecutive games – the longest current win-streak in any division of NCAA football. The streak ties UWW with the University of Washington (1908-1914) for the fifth longest streak in the history of college football.

• Levell tops 7000 career rushing yards with his 236 yards vs. Eau Claire on Saturday. Coppage is now 341 yards shy of overtaking RJ Bowers of Grove City College (1997-2000) for second-place in NCAA all-division rushing history.

• Carson Park is a fun venue to play a football game at. Fans literally can reach out and touch the players. Being a former student at UWEC and growing up just down the road in Durand, I talked to a number of friends that went to the game simply for a chance to see a two-time, defending national champion. That’s high praise!

• The Warhawk football team has certainly done their job so far in 2011. UW-Whitewater fans have also done its job by turning out in droves at the Perk this year. Here is your chance to “finish it” as a Warhawk fan by turning out en masse for Saturday’s regular season finale at the Perk. With a large crowd, UWW will win the NCAA Division III regular season attendance title! NO EXCUSES!

• UW-Whitewater athletics is much more that just Warhawk football. UW-Whitewater volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s tennis all join Warhawk football as 2011 WIAC champions!

• So I lose my billfold last weekend. I looked all over – went to the last two businesses where I remembered having the billfold. I went to both the Whitewater and Fort Atkinson police departments – no luck. On Monday I contacted my bank to put on stop on my ATM card. On Wednesday I was doing some housecleaning and I had my 2008 Stagg Bowl hat on top of my dresser. You guessed it – I picked up the hat and damn if my billfold wasn’t underneath the hat!

• GO WARHAWKS!!

Wahawks win outright WIAC championship AGAIN

2011-11-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

(In the photo above - The Warhawks seniors pose in front of Carson Park scoreboard letting viewers know the team had just cliched a seventh consecutive WIAC title - Tom Pattison photo)

Eau Claire) – UW-Whitewater put a bow on another Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football title Saturday afternoon in Eau Claire.

The Warhawks defeated UW-Eau Claire, 37-22, to go to 6-0 in the WIAC and 9-0 overall. Whitewater has now won a record seven straight WIAC titles.

Matt Blanchard threw scoring passes of 10 yards to Luke Menzel and 5 yards to Cory Robinson to give the Warhawks a 14-7 lead.

UWW then turned to all-WIAC leading rusher Levell Coppage to maintain the lead.

Coppage finished with 236 yards rushing including a 1-yard scoring run.

“Levell as the workhorse today,” Hawk head coach Lance Leipold tells the Janesville Gazette. “Levell and our line did the job.”

A 65 yard kick return by Steve Morris to open the second half combined with a 15 yard horse collar penalty set up a 1-yard touchdown run to extend the Warhawk lead to 21-7 early in the 3rd quarter.

After UWEC scored on a 49-yard pass play the Warhawks (Eric Kindler) punted out of field goal formation to pin the Blugolds at its own 1-yard line.

Whitewater ended up forcing a safety when a snap in punt formation went over the punter’s head out of the end zone.

Matt Blanchard followed with a 32-yard scoring strike to Tyler Huber to extend the Warhawk lead to 30-14.

“We knew they had a potent offense with the ability to strike quickly,” Leipold said. “We saw that happen. I was real pleased with the way we battled throughout the game.”

The Warhawks were without two starting linebackers and the Blugolds outgained Whitewater 399 to 393 yards.

A key to the win was Whitewater winning the turnover battle. Noah Timm intercepted two Austin Neu passes along with blocking a first half UWEC field goal attempt.

“We’re a little banged up, but we attained our No. 1 goal of winning an outright conference championship,” Leipold said.

Whitewater increased its win streak to 39 consecutive games tying the University of Washington (1908-1914) for the fifth longest streak in the history of college football.

The Warhawks will close the regular season November 12, hosting UW-La Crosse at 1:00 in Perkins Stadium.

UW-Whitewater at UW-Eau Claire Game-Day Central

2011-11-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Live Stats CLICK HERE

Live Video CLICK HERE

KOOL 106.5 Radio (Whitewater) Live Audio CLICK HERE

WBIZ Radio (Eau Claire) Live Audio CLICK HERE

UW-Eau Claire Game Notes CLICK HERE

Whitewater Game Notes CLICK HERE

Daily Jefferson County Union Game Preview CLICK HERE

WIAC Weekly Football Release CLICK HERE

Hawks "one game at a time" mindset pays big dividends

2011-11-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

(Above graphic courtesy of UW-Whitewater Athletics)

Conference and Division III national titles are won by playing, and winning, “one game at a time.” Each season UW-Whitewater head coach Lance Leipold stresses to his team the importance of having a “one game at a time” mentality.

Coach Leipold’s message has certainly been taken to heart.

The 2011 Warhawks entered this season coming off back-to-back NCAA national titles and three championships in the past four years.

The Warhawks currently have the longest winning streak in college football, in any division. UW-Whitewater has won 38 consecutive games. The Warhawks have also built streaks of 26 in a row on the road, 25 in a row at Perkins Stadium, 19 consecutive non-conference games, 22 WIAC games, and 10 in a row in the NCAA III playoffs.

UW-W's 38 game streak moves Whitewater into sixth longest ever in NCAA football. Mount Union holds the first and second spot with strings of 55 (2000-2003) and 54 (1996-99) games. The University of Oklahoma is next at 40 (1953-57), followed by Division II Grand Valley State with 40 (2005-2007). The University of Washington is in fifth place with 39 (1908-1914).

A victory over UW-Eau Claire Saturday will clinch an outright WIAC championship and WIAC record seventh straight.

2005 Whitewater
2006 Whitewater
2007 Whitewater
2008 Stevens Point, Whitewater
2009 Whitewater
2010 Whitewater
2011 Whitewater

1949 La Crosse, Stevens Point, Stout
1950 La Crosse, Whitewater
1951 La Crosse
1952 La Crosse, Platteville
1953 La Crosse, Platteville
1954 La Crosse

Levell Coppage continues his assault on record book

2011-11-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

(Editor's Note: Levell Coppage shakes off a would-be defender on his way to a record-breaking 46 yard run in Saturday's 31-16 win over UW-Stevens Point at Perkins Stadium - photo is courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

It was the most publicized number last week heading into Saturday’s UW-Stevens Point at UW-Whitewater football game at Perkins Stadium. Levell Coppage needed 54 yards to eclipse Justin Beaver’s 6,584 career rushing total to become the UW-Whitewater and WIAC’s career rushing leader.

"Coming into this game everyone was telling me 54 yards, 54 yards. That's all I was hearing for the past couple days. In my head, I was thinking why 54? Why just get 54, I'm just playing another game out here,"

It didn’t take the senior out of Oak Park-River Forest High School (Ill) to break the record.

Coppage gained three yards on his first run of the day. On the next play Levell ripped off a 47 yard touchdown run to pull within four yards of the record. Coppage opened UWW’s second possession of the day with a two-yard run. Needing just two yards for the record, Coppage showed his “flair for the dramatic” by busting a 46 yard burst to the UWSP 17 yard line to become the UWW and WIAC career rushing leader.

Coppage, with 245 yards on 29 carries against the Pointers, has rushed for 1,101 yards this season, the first back in UW-W and Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference history to rush for 1,000 yards all four years of his career. It also gives him 6,776 yards in his career, replacing former Warhawk Justin Beaver as the school and WIAC career rushing leader. And it moves Coppage into third place in the NCAA III record book for career rushing.

His 245 yards vs. Stevens Point was his season high, topping the 168 he gained against UW-Platteville, and marks the sixth time in his career he has rushed for at least 200 yards. His most recent 200+ game had been a 299 yard performance in the 2010 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.

Warhawk running back's success starts with running back's coach Nelson Edmonds

2011-10-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

(In the adjacent photo – Lance Leipold and running backs coach Nelson Edmonds greet Levell Coppage as he comes off the field after breaking the school and WIAC career rushing record of fellow Warhawk Justin Beaver in Saturday’s 31-16 win over UW-Stevens Point – photo courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

The names of Levell Coppage, Justin Beaver and Chad Wurth have been permanently ingrained in the minds of UW-Whitewater football fans over the past decade.

The reason is simple! How about 17,661 rushing yards and 177 touchdowns combined?

While the players accomplished the incredible statistics on the field – the one constant over the years has been the work of running backs coach Nelson Edmonds.

The Madison native is now in his 17th year on the UWW coaching staff. The success of his running back corps is nothing new.

While the focus has been on Levell Coppage’s rushing exploits over the past four years a further look at UW-Whitewater’s rushing game over the past decade has been nothing less than mindblowing.

John Damato, Eddie McKennie, Jeff McKenzie, Colon Burns, followed by Wurth, Beaver and Coppage have combined to rush for 1000 yards-plus every year with the exception of 1999.

The one constant each year has been the work Coach Edmonds has done in molding his running backs into approaching the position the “Warhawk way.” The result speaks for itself.

Rollie and Nancy Cooper will enter the UW-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday evening

2011-10-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Rollie and Nancy Cooper who will be inducted into the UW-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday evening in the Hamilton Room at the James R. Connor University Center.

The Cooper’s are the recipients of the Hall of Fame’s 2011 Distinguished Service Award.

The contributions the Coopers have made to UW-W intercollegiate athletics are numerous.

Rollie and Nancy have been long-time supporters of Warhawk teams with their attendance at events, financial support, booster club membership and service to the athletic department.

One thing is a constant – the Coopers support not only football, but a wide range of UW-Whitewater athletic programs by attending games or contests on a regular basis.

For years, the Coopers have been seated at the same table (southeast corner) of the Saxes Lone Star Inn dining room at the weekly Quarterback Club meetings.

Each week, Rollie and Nancy’s names top the reservation list for the fan bus heading to a Warhawk road game.

In his letter to prospective Quarterback Club members Warhawk head football coach Lance Leipold wrote: Our Warhawks would not be where they are today without this support. Becoming a member of the Warhawk Quarterback Club is your way to support the team and be a part of the “power behind the tradition.”

To view a full list of 2011 UW-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame inductees CLICK HERE

Whitewater football program and WIAC featured in major USA Today cover story

2011-10-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

The UW-Whitewater football team has gotten its share of national publicity over the past six-plus years on the Division III national stage.

The UW-Whitewater football program along with the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference hit the “mother lode” Thursday when the USA Today newspaper published a front page sports section story (on 11/27/11) featuring the Warhawk football team “pounding the rock” as it came out of the Student Athletic Complex prior to its WIAC opener vs. UW-Platteville at Perkins Stadium.

How did the USA Today decide on the story?

USA Today writer Andy Gardiner was in Wisconsin prior to the Badgers’ Big Ten opener at Camp Randall Stadium the night of the Hawks game vs. Nebraska. Gardiner suggested making the short trek to Whitewater to scout out a story on the two-time defending national champion Warhawk football program.

The USA Today headline reads: The conference no one leaves – Wisconsin’s D-III schools boast unique stability.

UW-Whitewater’s six consecutive trips to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl to meet Mount Union (Ohio) in the NCAA Division III championship game on one of the ESPN family of channels has delivered incredible publicity for U-Dub-Dub.

Thursday’s USA Today feature article showcases Division III’s three-time national championship football program and the nation’s No. 1 conference in the WIAC.

To view the USA Today cover story CLICK HERE

Warhawks host UW-Stevens Point in U-Dub-Dub's 86th Homecoming game

2011-10-27T04:54:00.000-07:00

The UW-Whitewater football team will welcome UW-Stevens Point to Perkins Stadium Saturday in the Hawks' 2011 Homecoming and Hall of Fame Game.

The conference rivals are no strangers to meeting for UWW's Homecoming. Saturday will mark the fourth time the two teams have squared off in a UW-Whitewater homecoming game since 2004.

Point beat the Hawks 15-12 in 2004 and 17-16 in 2008. U-Dub-Dub got a measure of revenge last year with a 27-14 in front of 11,448 fans at Perkins Stadium.

UWSP enters Saturday's game playing its best football of the season.

The Pointers came from ten points down, scoring on Mitch Beau's quarterback sneak with 15 seconds left in the game to win at Eau Claire, 28-24, last Saturday. The UW-SP defense sacked Blugold QB Austin Neu four times. Beau went 11-19 for 252 yards with three touchdowns. Lineman Justin Scary with eleven tackles, two and a half for a loss, and one and a half sacks.

UW-W went into the lion's den in Oshkosh and came out with a 20-17 win last week. It was the smallest margin of victory in Whitewater's current 37 game win streak. An Eric Kindler field goal with 1:18 left was the difference. That field goal was set up by a 47 yard run by Levell Coppage, who was the focus of the Titan defense. He carried the ball 28 times for 131 yards.

Saturday's Homecoming game will be the 86th for UW-Whitewater. The 2011 Athletics Hall of Fame class will be honored Saturday. The group will be introduced at halftime of the football game, with the formal induction taking place at a banquet Saturday night.

To access UW-Whitewater sports information director Tom Fick's UWW-UWSP game notes CLICK HERE

Pointers enter Saturday's game having beaten Warhawks twice since 2004 in UWW Homecoming games

2011-10-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

UW-Whitewater and UW-Stevens Point are no strangers to matching up in Homecoming games at Perkins Stadium.

Since 2004 the two WIAC rivals have played three times in UW-Whitewater’s Homecoming game at the Perk with the Pointers winning two of the three games.

In 2004 - the Pointers shocked Whitewater 15-12 on a dank and dreary day at Perkins Stadium. The Warhawks led 12-7 at the end of three quarters. The Pointers took the lead on a 23 yard Brett Borchart to Kurt Kielblock pass with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter. UWSP converted a two-point conversion to extend the lead to 15-12.

The Hawks put a drive together on the ensuing possession and had an opportunity to tie the game however Mike Chalk’s 46 yard field goal attempt slid wide-left with 4:17 remaining.

The Pointers offense sealed the deal by running the clock out on the final possession of the game.

In 2008 - the Pointers stunned Whitewater when Jared Beckwith hit Jared Jenkins on a 10 yard touchdown pass with 15 seconds remaining. Still trailing 16-15, veteran head coach John Meich elected to go for the win. Beckwith connected with Jenkins again on a diving catch in the right corner of the end zone for the 17-16 lead, and the win.

The Pointers' win also ended Whitewater's Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record-tying win streak at twenty-five games, and UW-W's WIAC record home field win streak at twenty-seven games.

It marked the last regular season loss for the Warhawks.

U-Dub-Dub will enter Saturday’s game vs. the Pointers on a 37-game win streak – the longest in the nation in any division.

The Hawks have won 18 consecutive conference games and currently have a 23 game win streak at Perkins Stadium including playoff victories.

The Warhawks welcome UW-Stevens Point to Perkins Stadium on Saturday for U-Dub-Dub's 2011 Homecoming – Hall of Fame Day game. Kickoff will be at 1:05 p.m.

Tickets for home games can be purchased at the University Center ticket office Monday-Friday during normal business hours. Tickets will also be available at Perkins Stadium on game day.

16th Annual Raffle-Auction set for November 12th

2011-10-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

(Editor's Note: at the end of the following story you you will find a link to access information on the the 2011 Football, Men's Basketball and Baseball Raffle-Auction - please check it out!)

The major annual fundraiser for the UW-Whitewater football, men’s basketball and baseball programs will take place the evening of Saturday, November 12th, in the Hamilton Room of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s James R. Connor University Center.

As we all know, operating an NCAA Division III football program with a 100 student-athletes is a difficult task with increasing operational costs and technology needs. Your participation in the annual Raffle-Auction has been a huge factor in allowing the UW-Whitewater football program to achieve national elite status on an annual basis.

The Warhawk football team has captured a record six consecutive Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships, six straight berths in the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs, and six consecutive games vs. the University of Mount Union in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, which his the NCAA Division III National Championship Game in Salem, Virginia.

The UWW football team is the two-time defending NCAA Division III national champion having won titles in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

This year’s Warhawks are seeking a seventh consecutive trip to Salem in search of a 4th National Championship in the last five years.

It is the hope of UW-Whitewater football, men’s basketball and baseball that you consider attending the Raffle-Auction the evening of November 12th. It is one of the top on-campus social events each fall. Food and certain beverages are complementary to all Raffle-Auction ticket holders.

As has been the case each year, there will be auction items that will fit virtually everyone’s budget.

Tickets will be available at the Hamilton Room on the night of the event. The cost of the tickets is $10 which will be your chance to win a number of Raffle prizes including to chance at the $2000 Grand Prize.

To purchase your Auction-Raffle tickets in advance, you may contract Lance Leipold (262-472-1453), Pat Miller (262-472-1146) or John Vodenlich (262-472-1420).

To access the Warhawkfootball.com Raffle-Auction link for a list of 2011 auction items CLICK HERE

Warhawks overcome injuries with quality play from backups

2011-10-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

The UW-Whitewater bench looked more like a MASH unit during the second half of Saturday's game at Oshkosh.

Hawks All-American middle linebacker Greg Arnold entered the game with a high ankle sprain. He lasted just three plays before being sent to the sideline due to the injury.

For the second straight week back-up Cole Klotz responded by registering 8 tackles including 3 tackles for a loss.

Hawks center Grant Poenitsch finished the game with crutches on the sideline.

”One of the prerequisites of playing offense line for Whitewater is the ability to play more than one of the OL positions,” Leipold told Arnie Peck on the postgame interview portion of the KOOL 106.5 game broadcast.

With the Poenitsch injury, Joe Hanson stepped in for Poenitsch.

"Joe hasn't practiced one snap as a center since back in training camp," Leipold said. "For Joe to be able to step in and play a "new" postion was a big key for us."

Cornerback Sam Overton was forced from the game after having his “bell rung” making a tackle.

Luke Menzel also was injured and did not return.

“There were a lot of guys that had to step up and increase their role,” Leipold indicated in his postgame interview. “It was a major reason why we were able to win the game. That is what good football teams do – that is what championship football teams do.”

Titans take another giant step in improving its football program

2011-10-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

(In the above photo - a panoramic view of the largest Uw-Oshkosh football crowd at Titan Stadium since 1998)

Props to those that attended Saturday’s WIAC first place showdown game between UW-Whitewater and UW-Oshkosh at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium in Oshkosh.

Saturday’s announced crowd of 3,863 is UWO’s largest crowd since 1998.

The crowd was outstanding considering UWO had drawn just 949 to its previous home game on October 1st against UW-River Falls. The Titans drew 1233 to its season opener vs. Central Iowa.

With the Titans playing winning football and ranked No. 20 in the nation by D3football.com, if you were at the game you could feel genuine excitement by Titan fans.

With a large amount of game-week publicity Saturday’s first place showdown in the WIAC had a palatable “playoff feel” to it.

It is just another step in Oshkosh head coach Pat Cerroni’s plan to develop the Titans into a championship caliber program.

Despite suffering a heartbreaking 20-17 loss to Whitewater Saturday, the Titans took another step in improving its program. It is very refreshing.

Hawks beat Oshkosh 20-17 in classic at Titan Stadium

2011-10-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

The UW-Oshkosh football team gave UW-Whitewater all it could handle for 60 minutes on Saturday – in the end the two-time defending national champions found a way to win.

Eric Kindler drilled a 17-yard field goal with 1:18 remaining for the deciding point to give the Warhawks a pulsating 20-17 victory over the Titans in a battle of conference unbeatens.

The game marked closest margin of victory for the Warhawks since a 16-14 win at Eau Claire on Sept. 13, 2008 – a span of 48 wins.

The game-winning drive started at the UW-Whitewater 20-yard line with 5:51 on the clock. Levell Coppage or Matt Blanchard shared carries on each of the drive’s 10 plays. From midfield, Coppage busted through the left side and zigzagged his way for 47 yards. The Titan defense then stuffed three runs at the goal line to force a field goal.

UW-Oshkosh made things interesting by moving to the UW-Whitewater 37-yard line with about 20 seconds left. Casey Casper came up with a sack on the next play to force a Hail Mary, which was intercepted by Ryan Wenkman in the end zone with one second remaining.

Oshkosh scored first on a 29-yard field goal by Nate Becker with 9:01 in the first quarter. A 53-yard pass from Nate Wara to Cole Myhra set up the field goal. The 7-0 score did not change the rest of the period.

Whitewater did not put any points on the board in the first quarter, marking the first time since October 9, 2010 against UW-Stout in Whitewater, a span of 16 games.

In the second quarter Whitewater senior quarterback Matt Blanchard's 23-yard run at 14:52 put gave the Haws a 7-3 lead.

Oshkosh regained the lead on a Charlie Weissman 1-yard run with 12:11 left in the half. The Titan drive was aided by pass interference and personal foul penalties on the Warhawks.

Whitewater's Eric Kindler knotted the score at 10-10 with a 47-yard field goal at 4:49 of the second quarter.

Oshkosh regained the lead on a Jeremy Roach 14-yard touchdown run with just 1:18 left in the half.

The last time the Warhawks went into halftime behind in the score, was the 2008 Stagg Bowl, where the Warhawks trailed Mount Union 24-10.

In the third quarter, with Whitewater facing 1st and ten at the Oshkosh 20, UWO’s Charlie Stueck intercepted a Matt Blanchard pass in the end zone and returned it to the 12.

Not dissuaded, Whitewater came back to tie the game late in the third quarter when Blanchard fired an 8-yard scoring pass to tight end Jason Ford.

The scoring play was set up by a Blanchard to Tyler Huber 62-yard pass to the UWO four yard line.

The Warhawks compiled 20 first downs and 429 yards of offense. Coppage finished with a game-high 131 yards rushing with quarterback Matt Blanchard adding 91 yards on the ground.

The Hawks’ senior quarterback completed 17-of-25 through the air for 209 yards,. Tyler Huber had another big day on the receiving end of Blanchard’s passes by catching seven passes for 127 yards.

UWO quarterback Nate Wara finished the game 17-33 through the air for 148 yards.

Cole Myra paced the Titan’s rushing attack. Myra led the way with 66 yards including a 53 yard burst on the third play of the game to set up a 29 yard Nate Becker field goal to give UWO an early 3-0 lead.

Saturday’s game had an announced attendance of 3,863 for its largest crowd since 1998.

The hard-earned win gives UW-Whitewater a one-game lead in the WIAC standings with three games remaining in the regular season. Oshkosh is all alone in second place with a 3 & 1 conference record and 5 & 2 overall. The Titans only two losses this season have been to No. 2 ranked Mount Union (41-17 in week-two) and to No. 1 ranked Whitewater.

The Warhawks return home to host UW-Stevens Point it the 2011 Homecoming and Hall of Fame Day game. Oshkosh will welcome UW-La Crosse to Titan Stadium for a 6 p.m. kickoff.

2011-10-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

The two-time defending Division III champion UW-Whitewater Warhawks travel to Oshkosh Saturday for a 1st place showdown with UW-Oshkosh.

Both teams enter the Titans Homecoming game with 3 & 0 records in the conference and sit alone on top of the WIAC standings.

The Warhawks will put their No. 1 national ranking and 36 game winning streak on the line against Oshkosh.

The Titans are 5-1 for only the second time since 1972 and the only loss on the schedule has been a 41-17 defeat at the hands of Division III power house Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio in week-two of the season. UWO is currently ranked 20th in the latest D3football.com poll.

"Pat has done a great job," Leipold tells the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "He's had a plan and has worked extremely hard. They have earned being in this position at this point. It should be an exciting day on Saturday."

The winner of Saturday’s showdown will possess the inside track at the 2011 WIAC championship. Whitewater is in search of a seventh consecutive league crown. Oshkosh has not captured a conference title since 1976.

Gametime is 1:30 p.m. at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

The following are UWW @ UWO game day links to help make your game day more enjoyable.

Live Stats CLICK HERE

UWO Live TV Stream CLICK HERE

KOOL 106.5 Radio stream CLICK HERE

WOSH Radio Stream CLICK HERE

UW-Whitewater Pregame Notes CLICK HERE

UW-Oshkosh Pregame Notes CLICK HERE

Daily Jefferson County Union Pregame Story CLICK HERE

Milwaukee Journel-Sentinel Pregame Story CLICK HERE

Oshkosh Northwestern Pregame Story CLICK HERE

warhawkfootball.com CLICK HERE

Titans Face Two-Time Defending National Champion For Homecoming

2011-10-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Two nationally ranked squads with impressive winning streaks meet to decide first place when UW-Oshkosh hosts UW-Whitewater on Saturday (Oct. 22) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. The Warhawks (6-0/3-0 WIAC) bring their 36-game win streak and number-one ranking, while the Titans (5-1/3-0 WIAC) have captured four straight and list 20th in the latest D3football.com poll.

Both these teams suffered their last defeat to the University of Mount Union (Ohio). UW-Whitewater has been perfect since falling to the Purple Raiders in the national title game on Dec. 20, 2008. UW-Oshkosh dropped a 41-17 decision to second-ranked Mount Union (6-0) on Sept. 10. The Titans’ current four-game win streak is their best in a season since 2003.

UW-Whitewater, which has been the top-ranked team for 22 consecutive months, won each of its games this year by 19+ points. The Warhawks’ conference slate includes victories over UW-Platteville (34-14), UW-River Falls (42-10) and UW-Stout (42-21). UW-Oshkosh has also beat those three opponents by scores of 24-3, 42-7 and 56-10, respectively.

This match-up features the WIAC’s top two offenses and top two defenses. UW-Whitewater leads the league in nine of the 10 main statistical categories, including total offense (483 yards) and total defense (226 yards). The Warhawks rely on Levell Coppage and his conference-bests of 725 yards and 12 touchdowns running. Coppage is currently 185 yards from becoming the WIAC’s all-time leading rusher (6,584 yards).
Quarterback Matt Blanchard has completed 70 percent of his passes while tossing 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. His 1,400 passing yards include 515 to Tyler Huber and 373 to Luke Menzel. Huber and Menzel stand first and third, respectively, on the WIAC’s receiving charts.

The Warhawk defense is surrendering just 11 points and 67 rushing yards per game. UW-Whitewater owns a +7 turnover margin, and it allows opponents to convert 29 percent of their third downs. Greg Arnold paces the unit with 35 tackles.

UW-Oshkosh will counter with the WIAC’s second-ranked offense, marking 408 yards per game. The Titans, who average 32 points, have used 954 passing yards and 457 rushing yards by Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh). Wara accounted for 12 touchdowns this year, while Justin Budiac (Sr. • Mukwonago) has rushed for seven scores in the last four games. Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison) owns 368 receiving yards and Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne) 351 to both rank in the top five of the conference.

In last week’s victory at Platteville, the Titan defense allowed 188 yards. UW-Oshkosh has been especially stout through the air, yielding a WIAC-low 5.1 yards per pass. The Titans have posted nine takeaways from nine different players, while Jack Breese (Sr. • Kewaskum) leads the team with 46 stops.

UW-Whitewater holds a 72-25-5 edge in this series, which began in 1897. The Titans last won in 2002, but they were effective during their 48-21 setback last season. The victorious Warhawks ran for 325 yards and held the ball for 39 minutes. Wara threw for 217 yards to highlight UW-Oshkosh’s effort.

Coppage needs 185 yards to become school and WIAC career rushing leader

2011-10-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

(In the above photo - Warhawk offensive line coach Steve Dinkle chats with Levell Coppage following Thursday evening's "pound the rock" post practice exercise - Tom Pattison photo)

Levell Coppage enters Saturday’s first-place showdown at UW-Oshkosh just 185 yards from eclipsing Justin Beaver’s UW-Whitewater and WIAC record career rushing record.

The senior out of Oak Park-River Forest High School (Ill) enters Saturday’s game with 750 rushing yards so far this season and currently sits at an even 6400 career yards.

“It is pretty humbling to have the opportunity to eclipse Justin’s record,” Coppage told Warhawkfootball.com following Thursday’s practice inside Perkins Stadium. “Just seeing his picture on the mural up there (side of the Perkins Stadium West stands) shows me how much of an impact he made on this football program.”

Levell says that the No.1 thing that will be on his mind Saturday will be for the Warhawks to come out with a victory over the Titans.

“It is all about coming home with a win Saturday night,” Coppage said.

Much in the same way Justin Beaver used to talk about his record setting career – when talking about rushing yardage you talk about the guys that “pound the rock” for you.

“It is my offensive line and the guys blocking for me that are just as much responsible for my yardage here at Whitewater,” Coppage reflects on. “It is a big part of why Warhawk football has been so successful.”

Coppage will also look to extend his No. 1 status of scoring touchdowns. Last year Coppage eclipsed the WIAC career touchdown mark of 51 set by UW-River Falls’ Greg Corning (1984-87). Levell enters Saturday’s game with 92 career touchdowns.

Are you a Warhawk and WIAC Football fan? Check out the following blogs

2011-10-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have really enjoyed getting UW-Whitewater football information, stories and photos out into cyberspace over the past 10 years via Warhawkfootball.com.

I enjoy researching statistics and telling a statistical story by way of publishing a Web or blog story.

For those of you out there in Warhawk Nation and WIAC Nation, I implore you to please check out 02 Warhawk’s My Little WIAC Football Blog and BleedPurple’s uwwfootball.com Blog.

BleedPurple’s Blog has been online for the past couple of seasons and his both present and past knowledge of UW-Whitewater football makes for an outstanding read.

To check out UWWfootball.com CLICK HERE

New to the blogosphere this season is 02 Warhawk’s WIAC blog. Not only do you get the weekly matchups – but you also get a look back statistically at the previous week’s game, outstanding features on both the conference and individual school’s programs.

For a Division III and WIAC football geek like me, I strongly suggest you check out 02 Warhawks WIAC blog.

To check out My Little WIAC Football Blog October 14th WIAC football matchups CLICK HERE

Enjoy the read everybody!

Limited number of seats still available on fan bus to Oshkosh

2011-10-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

A very limited number of seats are still available for Saturday's Warhawk Express fan bus to Oshkosh.

As of 9 p.m. Tuesday night just five seats were still available for the Coach USA Van Galder motor coach trip to Saturday's 1st place showdown game vs. UW-Oshkosh at Titan Stadium.

To reserve your seat on the bus call Therese Kennedy ASAP at 262-472-1145 or email her at kennedyt@uww.edu

The 2011 away game motor coaches are courtesy of the Kachel Family.

Let’s do our part in making the Titan Stadium attendance soar on Saturday!

UW-Oshkosh is the real deal!

2011-10-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Longtime UW-River Falls head coach John O’Grady announced his retirement following the 2010 season. The retirement was short-lived as the hall-of-fame coach was lured out of “retirement” to become an assistant for Pat Ceroni at UW-Oshkosh.

It hasn’t taken long for the Titan offense to reflect an O’Grady imprint. With talented senior quarterback Nate Wara at the helm the Oshkosh offense has added an “O’Grady option attack” as a primary weapon.

Two weeks ago at Eau Claire the Titans came out in an offense with Wara operating out of the pistol formation. Trailing 16-7 at halftime UWO came out in the second half with Wara under center and ran an option attack on the way to a 23-16 come-from-behind victory on the road at Carson Park.

The Titans used Cole Myhra and Justin Budiac at the running back position with both runners getting much of their yardage on quick-hitters up the middle.

The key to any option attack is the ability of its quarterback. For Oshkosh, Nate Wara possesses that ability.

When it came to making the critical play In the second half of the Titans’ win at Eau Claire it was Wara who kept the ball on the option running right between guard and tackle for a first down or touchdown.

Wara was knocked out of last Saturday’s 24-3 win at Platteville with an unspecified injury late in the second quarter. His availability for Saturday’s game vs. Whitewater has not been announced.

One thing for sure – the Oshkosh offense this season is much different than last year’s “trickery based” offense. The Titans scored two touchdowns on “tick” plays in last season’s 48-21 loss to the Warhawks at Titan Stadium.

The Hawks scored on its first drive of last year’s game. The Titans responded in kind on the following possession with running back Cole Myra throwing an 14-yard option pass to Garrie Fox to knot the score at 7-all.

UWO went to its bag of tricks again later in the first quarter when running back Craig McClelland hit Paul Coburn on a 33 yard option pass to set put Jake Dostalek’s six yard touchdown run to cut the UWW lead to 21-14 with 51 seconds left in the first quarter.

The 2011 Oshkosh team will bring a much more complete offensive attack into Saturday’s game vs. the Warhawks.

On top of UWO’s impressive option running game, the Titans feature two of the top “big-play” wide receivers in the conference. Garrie Fox enters the game with 22 receptions for 388 yards (16.7 yards per catch) and 4 touchdowns. Caleb Voss has 14 catches (25 yards per catch) and 3 touchdowns.

The Titans beat Central Iowa 31-28 to open the season. Central is currently tied with Dubque for 1st place the Iowa Interscholastic Athletic Conference. In week two, the Titans suffered its only loss of the season falling 41-17 at Division 3 powerhouse Mount Union. The Titans are the only UMU opponent score more than 7 points against them this season.

With that said, Saturday’s first place showdown in the WIAC will bring plenty of intrigue with it.

16th Annual Warhawk Raffle-Auction set for November 12th

2011-10-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

The 16th Annual Wally & Rod's Raffle/Auction is coming up on Saturday evening, November 12th in the Hamilton Room at the James R. Connor University Center on campus.

The event will occur on the same day as UWW closes its regular season with a game vs. UW-La Crosse at Perkins Stadium

Information on the event can be found on the above photo of the Raffle/Auction Ticket

The following is a list of Auction Items (as of 10/14/11)• Sanibel Island Vacation – Murray’s
• Ricky Weeks Autographed Baseball – Pat Miller
• Ryan Braun & Ricky Weeks Canvas – Pat Miller
• Ryan Braun & Prince Fielder Canvas – Warhawkfootball.com
• Prince Fielder All-Star Game Canvas #1 – Warhawkfootball.com
• Prince Fielder All-Star Game Canvas #2 – Warhawkfootball.com
• Aaron Rogers/Clay Mattews Super Bowl Canvas – Warhawkfootball.com
• 2 Lou Holtz Autographed Helmets
• Lou Holtz Autographed Book
• Week Stay at a Kennel & a neutered or spayed – Lance Leipold
• Time Share – Mills
• Boot Camp – Lee Munger
• Quilts for Basketball/Football/Baseball
• Wooden Rocking Horse – Russ Manke
• Calloway Up Pro GPS System – Brad Alberts
• Koshkonong Mounds Country Club Single Membership – new member w/out cart
• $175 Limestone Products – Whitewater Limestone
• Ham & Knife Set – Jones Dairy
• 4 Prime Rib Dinners w/4 Drinks – Saxes Lone Star Inn
• Gallon of Chili – Saxes
• Gallon of Bean & Sausage – Saxes
• Warhawk “W” – Rod Berg
• WI “W” w/Bucky Badger – Rod Berg
• Oak Chest – Rod Berg
• Cabinet – Facsimile to a Crate & Barrel piece – Rod Berg
• Cabinet – stained glass and lighted – Rod Berg
• Quilt Rack – Tom Miller
• Locker – Brad Stallings
• Generator – Generac
• Eastbay Gear – Dan Roloff
• Wooden Championship Football – Dan Cooper
• 3 Hours of Labor from each sport
• Assistant Coach for each sport
• Camps – Each Sport (Table Raffles)
• Gallon of Soup – Carol Miller (Table Raffle)
• Whitewater Country Club Single Membership – new member only
• 2 Smirnoff Neon Bar Signs
• Anheuser World Select Neon Bar Sign
• Rumplemintz and Goldschlager Neon Bar Sign
• 2 Badger Men’s Basketball Tickets – Randy Marnocha
• Oak Chest - $1 Raffle

Take the Van Galder Warhawk Express Motor Coach to Oshkosh on Saturday

2011-10-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hey Warhawk football fans – why not take the Warhawk Express to Saturday’s Warhawk game at Titan Stadium in Oshkosh?

A Van Galder motor coach will depart the Perkins Stadium parking lot a 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

To reserve your seat on the bus call Therese Kennedy ASAP at 262-472-1145 or email her at kennedyt@uww.edu

The 2011 away game motor coaches are courtesy of the Kachel Family.

Let’s do our part in making the Titan Stadium attendance soar on Saturday.

I hope to see you in Oshkosh on Saturday!

Voice's Monday Morning Random Thoughts

2011-10-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

• My adrenaline is already flowing for Saturday’s first place U-Dub-Dub at Oshkosh showdown for first place in the WIAC! A lot will be riding on Saturday’s game (please refer to 2008 when one loss sent the Hawks on an “escape around America” playoff run).

• I remember a pretty good basketball coach – Auggie Vander Muelen – subscribing to the theory that a great basketball season should be free of “peaks and valleys.” He would chastise me prior to every Warhawk-Platteville game letting me know “it was just the next game on UWW’s schedule” and not the game to end all. It took me a long time to understand that!

• A couple of NFL scouts (Jacksonville & Atlanta) were sitting next to me in the press box at the Perk Friday night. They didn’t tip there hand on exactly who they travelled to Whitewater to see. All I know is that they did a lot of writing following a large number of plays.

• The one response that sticks with me is both scouts looked at each other and had big smiles on there face after Kris Rosholt boomed a towering, 65 yard punt in the first half of Friday’s game. The punt tied his “career long.”

• A bit of a bummer that the Brewers season is now over. What happened to the Brewers pitching!!?? Did the team get too caught up in “beast mode” and “Tony Plush” against the Cardinals. As much as I hate Tony Larussa I think he used all that as motivation for his team. I think it worked!

• Will Prince Fielder be able to play at the same level without having a hitter like Ryan Braun hitting in front of him? Prince talked “having the most fun” during the just completed season and you could see that all year long. Prince – tell your agent Scott Boros to seek a hometown discount from Mark Attanasio and strongly consider staying in Milwaukee. What is wrong with continuing to be part of the best one-two hitting duo in Major League Baseball?

• I’ll have more thoughts here on the blog later this week.

Nate Wara injured in UW-Oshkosh win at Platteville

2011-10-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

A suffocating defensive effort and some solid play from it’s No. 2 quarterback carried the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to a 24-3 thumping of UW-Platteville in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest at Ralph E. Davis Stadium.

The victory, which surpasses the team’s win total of each of the last three seasons, sets up a huge showdown next week for the 25th-ranked Titans (5-1, 3-0). The top-ranked and unbeaten UW-Whitewater Warhawks will invade J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium for UWO’s annual homecoming game.

It was a win that could prove costly, though.

Standout quarterback Nate Wara left the game after being tackled on a running play late in the second quarter with an unspecified injury and did not return. At the time, Wara had completed 8-of-12 passes and ran for 49 yards.

Titan head coach Pat Cerroni tells the Oshkosh Northwestern that he hopes Wara will be ready to face Whitewater next Saturday.

For entire Oshkosh Northwestern game story CLICK HERE

In other WIAC football action Saturday afternoon...
UW-Eau Claire 31, UW-La Crosse 21
UW-Stevens Point 31, UW-River Falls 10

In the WIAC next Saturday...
UW-Whitewater @ UW-Oshkosh
UW-Stevens Point @ UW-Eau Claire
UW-Platteville @ UW-River Falls

Hawks put night moves on Stout in 42-21 win

2011-10-15T22:11:00.000-07:00

UW-Stout threw everything it had at the two-time defending national champion UW-Whitewater football team Friday, but the Warhawks with stood it and won, 42-21.

A pair of long touchdown strikes from Ross Carey to Trevor Morning brought UW-Stout (3-3 overall, 1-2 WIAC) within seven points of the Warhawks at teh end of the third quarter.

However UW-W (6-0, 3-0) got a 26-yard touchdown run from Levell Coppage - his third of the game - and a 9-yard touchdown pass from Matt Blanchard to Bernie Tamsett to seal the game.

(In the photo above - Logan Allemand and Levell Coppage do an end zone celebration following one of Levell's three touchdowns on the evening. Coppage has now scored 92 touchdowns in his UWW football career)The win marks the Warhawks' 36th straight victory, which is the longest winning streak nation-wide in all levels of college football.

With the game tied, 7-7, after the first quarter, Whitewater exploded for 21 points in the second.

Coppage scored on runs of 4 and 23 yards and Tyler Huber caught a 31-yard pass from Blanchard for the 'Hawks other touchdown. The big quarter gave Whitewater a 28-7 halftime advantage.

Coppage finished the game with 139 yards on 22 carries, helping Whitewater out-rush the Blue Devils, 245-87.

Blanchard kept the offense balanced, posting 294 yards passing. Blanchard copleted 20-of-28 passesfor 294 yards on the game, including seven for 153 yards to wideout Luke Menzel.

UW-STOUT @ U-DUB-DUB GAME DAY CENTRAL

2011-10-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

The following are links to a number of Websites to allow you to follow action live Stout at Whitewater from Perkins Stadium.

UW-Stout Game Notes CLICK HERE

UW-Stout 2011 Season StatisticsCLICK HERE

UW-Stout Radio Audio Stream CLICK HERE

UW-Whitewater Game Notes CLICK HERE

UW-Whitewater 2011 Season Statistics CLICK HERE

KOOL 106.5 Radio Audio Stream CLICK HERE

Penn Atlantic Stout @ Whitewater Cable 19 TV Feed CLICK HERE

WIAC Football Weekly Release CLICK HERE

Enjoy the game and a reminder - you can read all about it immediately following the game here on Voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com and Warhawkfootall.com

Hawks to debut 21st century lights at Friday night's game vs Stout

2011-10-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Perkins Stadium lighting system is no longer out-dated.

Due to the collapse of the lights in the northeast corner of Perkins Stadium last December a new state-of-the-art lighting system will be debuted during UW-Whitewater’s “Friday Night Lights” game vs. UW-Stout Friday night.

The new lights possess more than twice the candlepower with just half the bulbs on the four light standards erected earlier this month.

The former lights were the originals that were erected during Warhawk Stadium construction in 1970.

Friday night’s game vs. Stout will be the first night game at the Perk since the 2008 season opener.

"I don't think it's going to be a huge difference, but the biggest part will be the atmosphere - we hope to have a big student crowd," said UW-W head coach Lance Leipold. "It's something different and I think our kids are excited about it."

Whitewater is 3-0 in its previous three night games played at Perkins Stadium. In both 2005 and 2008 the Warhawks beat St. Xavier University (Ill.), and in 2006 the 'Hawks put up a school-record 75 points against Lakeland College (Wis.).

"I know we compete against high school football, which is unfortunate," added Leipold, referring to the final week of the regular season of high school football being played this Friday in the state.

Stout will be playing its second night game of the season. In Week 3 the Blue Devils hosted UW-Oshkosh in both school’s WIAC-mandated in-conference/non-conference game. Oshkosh rolled 56-10 over Stout at Don and Nona Williams Stadium in Menomonie.

Hawks host Stout in Friday Night Lights game at Perkins Stadium

2011-10-13T02:46:00.000-07:00

What is more American than playing football under the lights on a Friday night?

Due to the 27th Annual Wisconsin School Music Association State Marching Band Championships on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at UW-Whitewater the Warhawk football team will be hosting UW-Stout Friday night at Perkins Stadium.

The UW-Whitewater-UW-Stout game will be the first game to take place under the new lights of Perkins Stadium. After a storm destroyed lights in the stadium during the off season, UW-Whitewater decided to replace all the lights in the stadium with next generation lights.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Immediately following the game fans will be treated to a postgame fireworks display at Perkins Stadium.

The theme of Friday night’s festivities at the Perk is Friday Night Lights. The free student tailgate activities prior to the game are sponsored by UWW Residence Life.

There will be a free tailgate prior to kickoff for all UW-W students with a valid school ID, located between the softball facility and the Perkins Stadium parking lot. Free food and beverages will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Students will also be able to get prepared for the game at the spirit station, where free face and body paint, beads, Warhawk tattoos, and purple and white hairspray will be offered. In addition, students can take a picture with the National Championship Trophy.

Northwestern Mutual is sponsoring a Bags Tournament as part of the FREE STUDENT TAILGATE ZONE activity Friday night. The doors for the tailgate open at 5pm and tournament to start at 5:30pm.

You must provide 4 nonperishable food items to enter and contact Leah Thyne at thynel@uww.edu to register your team of two.

Northwestern Mutual is offering cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

We’ll see you at the Perk Friday night under the lights!

Week Five Game Day Central

2011-10-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

The unbeaten UW-Whitewater Warhawks are on the road Saturday to take on winless UW-River Falls at Ramer Field in River Falls.

On paper the game appears to be a mismatch.

In the just-completed Major League Baseball Division Series Philadelphia was a prohibitive favorite over St. Louis, as was the Yankees over the Tigers.

Should I remind you who won the two series?

“We have to keep reminding our players that we're going to get everybody's best shot," Warhawk head coach Lance Leipold said earlier this week. "You can make a team's season, and catapult a program, by having an upset victory.

In last week’s WIAC opener the Hawks got a bit of a “wake-up” call when Platteville was tied with UWW 14-14 at halftime.

"You've got to maintain your focus and stay locked in each and every week. That's a message we constantly remind our players, especially the younger ones."

The Warhawks were reminded of the importance of playing “a week at a time” early in the week on the practice field. The formula to the Hawks’ tremendous success on it’s current 35-game win streak has been a “one game at a time” mentality.

"That's why maintaining that focus is so important, and fortunately for us, we've been able to do that up to this point."

Elsewhere in the WIAC on Saturday….

UW-Oshkosh is at UW-Eau Claire
Both teams enter the game tied with Whitewater at 1 & 1 in the conference and 3 & 1 overall. Both teams have put themselves in great position to emerge as the #2 team in the WIAC, and quite possibly make a run at Whitewater.

UW-Stout travels to UW-Stevens Point
Both teams are 2 & 2 on the season and 0 & 1 in the conference.

In non-conference action

Jamestown (North Dakota) will be in La Crosse to take on the Eagles.
La Crosse is coming off its first win of the season – a dramatic 31-28 win on a last second field goal to give Joel Dettwiler his first win as UWL head coach. Jamestown is playing its second WIAC team this season. Stout beat the Jimmies 19-17 in week-one in Menomonie.

For WIAC Weekly Release CLICK HERE

KOOL 106.5 Radio Game Broadcast CLICK HERE

NOTE: No Live Stats will be available for today's UWW-UWRF game

UW-Whitewater Game-Day Notes: CLICK HERE
For more on the WIAC This Week via 02 Wahawk's My Little WIAC Blog CLICK HERE

Hawks at River Falls KOOL 106.5 broadcast to be simulcast into Milwaukee, Madison and Beloit-Rockford markets

2011-10-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

If you can't tune in to WKCH 106.5 FM on your radio, you can follow the game on the Internet. Radio stations 540 AM ESPN Milwaukee,100.5 FM ESPN Madison, and ESPN Radio 1380 AM Rockford (1380 will delay broadcast until 6:00 p.m. Sunday) also carry selected Warhawk football games using the WKCH feed. See the "details" link on the Warhawk football schedule

This Saturday’s KOOL 106.5 broadcast of the UW-Whitewater at UW-River Falls football game will be heard in the Milwaukee, Madison and Beloit-Rockford areas on the southern Wisconsin family of ESPN radio stations.

Gary Douglas and Arnie Peck’s call of the game will be simulcast live on 540 AM-ESPN Milwaukee, 100.5 FM-ESPN Madison and on 1380 AM-ESPN Beloit-Rockford.

The games will be heard “live over the air” and via audio stream off each of the individual stations Web sites.

The Badgers are off this week and here is your chance to listen to the state of Wisconsin’s most successful football program – the two-time defending NCAA Division III national champion UW-Whitewater Warhawks.

Airtime Saturday will be 12:30 – the kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Whitewater at River Falls. To listen CLICK HERE

Voice's random thoughts from a memorable Wisconsin sports weekend

2011-10-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

• I’ve been a “sports nut” since I was 8 years old back in 1960 and Saturday’s Wisconsin sports events made the biggest impact on me than any one-day schedule in the past 51 years!

• I currently have a Voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com poll running adjacent to this post asking what was the event that interested you most on Saturday? Was it the Warhawk game, the Badger game, or the Brewer’s Playoff game. VOTE NOW!

• The biggest stat of the weekend was that the Platteville-Whitewater game at the Perk outdrew the St. Johns at St. Thomas game in the MIAC. 10,632 at the Perk - 10,421 at O'Shaunessey Stadium (UST)

• Their was once a time that when each year's UW-Whitewater football schedule came out you would compare it to the Badgers' schedule to see if the UWW home games were the same day as UW home games. Family Day had a great deal to do with Perkins Stadium's fourth largest crowd in stadium history Packing the Perk on Saturday. A two-time defending Division III national champion and 33-game win streak also had a lot to do with the big crowd.

• When you have direct competition with the Milwaukee Brewers opening the playoffs just 45 minutes east of UWW - and a frenzied game-day in Madison ahead of Saturday night's UW-Nebraska nationally televised game at Camp Randall - Saturday's Perkins Stadium crowd may be the most impressive in Perk history!

• BTW – St. Thomas beat a once nationally elite St. Johns 63-7 at St. Thomas on Saturday. The Johnnies fall to 2 & 3 on the season and 1 & 2 in the MAIC. Much like La Crosse, St. Johns under coaching icon John Gagliardi hasn’t fully recovered to "elite" status since Whitewater beat the Johnnies 34-7 (2005 playoffs) and 17-14 (2006 playoffs). Both losses were at Whitewater.

• Warhawks got a bit of a “wake-up call” in Saturday’s conference opener against Platteville. Game was tied 14-all at halftime. The good news was that UWW made halftime adjustments and dominated in the 2nd half. The “wake-up call” may be just what the team needed.

• Bob and Jan Berezowitz and I were at American Family Childrens Hospital last Friday afternoon to personally extend our “get well” wishes for little Luka Ogrizovich. The newborn baby of Mal and Ryan “Griz” Ogrizovich has fought gallantly and is now on the road to recovery following a battle with life-threatening propionic academia (a rare genetic metabolic disorder)

• On the way home from the visiting the “family Griz” I drove through the back street of the University of Wisconsin campus. I was on a back-street behind Bascom Hall stuck in traffic. I had my Sirius Satellite Radio blaring away. Now this is freaky – all of a sudden on Sirius Channel 6 the Buffalo Springfield Vietnam War protest song “For What Its Worth” came on the radio. As I’m stuck in traffic – I look to my left and I’m stopped directly in front of UW’s Sterling Hall – where a Vietnam War protest bombing was committed on August 24, 1970 was committed by four young people as a protest against the University's research connections with the US military. The bombing resulted in the death of a university physics researcher and injuries to three others. For a Vietnam era baby boomer – the song and where I was on campus shook me to the core!

Hey Hawk fans - take the Van Galder charter motor coach to River Falls on Saturday

2011-10-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Warhawk football fans ... why not let Van Galder transport you to River Falls on Saturday?

There will be a bus provided by the Kachel Family for Warhawk fans to "moter coach" ride to the game.

The charter will depart from Perkins Stadium at 7:00 a.m. on October 8, and any fans interested in going need to reserve a seat. Please contact Therese Kennedy (kennedyt@uww.edu, 262-472-1145) to do so.

Also, there will be a special tailgate planned before the game located at Bo's N' Mine for all Warhawk fans. Bo's N' Mine is located at 110 South Main Street in River Falls.

The tailgate will be followed by the game where the number one ranked Warhawks will take on UW-River Falls at Ramer Stadium - kickoff is at 1:00 p.m.

GO WARHAWKS!!!

Vote now on your favorite Wisconsin sporting event on Saturday

2011-10-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

I’ve been a sports fan since I was 8 years old. Saturday opened with the Brewers and Arizona in game-one of the NLDS at Miller Park. Shortly after the start of the Brewer game it was UW-Whitewater and UW-Platteville playing in front of 10,632 at Perkins Stadium. It was the fourth largest crowd in Perkins Stadium history. Saturday’s “Wisconsin sports menu” was concluded with the Wisconsin Badgers welcoming Nebraska into the Big 10 in a nationally televised game at raucous Camp Randall Stadium.

Voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com has posted a poll asking which of the three events was the most exciting for you. Was it the Warhawk game, the Brewers, or the Badgers.

Vote on one of the following three sporting events

A) Watching the Warhawks beat Platteville
B) Watching the Brewers in the NDLS Playoff opener
C) Watching the Badgers and Cornhuskers on national TV from Camp Randle

Vote Now!

Nebraska at Wisconsin: Whitewater's Leipold had a unique view of game

2011-10-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

What does Wisconsin Badger football, Nebraska Cornhusker football, and UW-Whitewater football have in common? How about current Warhawk head coach Lance Leipold?

Leipold played football at Whitewater and served as a graduate assistant on Bob Berezowitz's staff after using up his eligibility.

From Whitewater, Leipold made the short drive to Madison to become a graduate assistant at the University of Wisconsin from 1991 to 1993. Lance was a member of Barry Alvarez's coaching staff the year the Badgers' won its first Rose Bowl title.

In 2001, Leipold served as Frank Solich's administrative assistant on the Nebraska Cornhusker's staff. That was the year the Cornhuskers made it to the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Leipold had a unique perspective Satruday night's Badgers-Corhuskers game while viewing the game just hours after his UW-Whitewater team catured its 34th consecutive victory in a 34-14 win over UW-Platteville at Perkins Stadium.

Wisconsin State Journal Badger Football "beat" writer Tom Mulhern authored an article in Sunday's WSJ that details the Leipold Whitewater-UW-Nebraska connection.

To view the article CLICK HERE

Saturday's WIAC football roundup

2011-10-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

UW-Whitewater 34, UW_Platteville 14:
- Levell Coppage ran for 168 yards and two touchdowns to lead top-ranked UW-Whitewater to a 34-14 victory over visiting UW-Platteville Saturday in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game.

The teams played to a 14-14 tie in the first half. The Pioneers (3-2, 1-1) had two drives end on fourth down to start the third quarter and the Warhawks (4-0, 1-0) proceeded to reel off 20 unanswered points.

Coppage broke free for a 41-yard touchdown run with 9 minutes, 33 seconds left to settle the issue.

UW-Eau Claire 24, UW-Stout 10:
- Austin Neu passed for 349 yards and two touchdowns as the visiting Blugolds (3-1, 1-0 WIAC) defeated the Blue Devils (2-2, 0-1) to capture the I-94 Battle Trophy for the first time.

UW-Oshkosh 42, UW-River Falls 7:
- Nate Warra threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns to spark the host Titans (3-1, 1-0) in a romp past the Falcons (0-4, 0-1).

Warra now has 41 career scoring strikes - the third highest total in Oshkosh history.

UW-La Crosse 31, UW-Stevens Point 28:
- Jason Huinker booted an 18-yard field goal with one second left to give the host Eagles a victory over the Pointers.

La Crosse (1-3, 1-1) scored 17 points in the final 9:46 to sink the Pointers (2-2, 0-1).

UW-Platteville at UW-Whitewater GAMEDAY CENTRAL

2011-09-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

The UW-Whitewater football team has plenty of work to do if it wants to get to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl for a seventh consecutive season. The No. 1 goal each year for the Warhawks is to win the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and get an automatic berth in the Division III playoffs.

The Hawks (3-0) conference journey opens Saturday afternoon when the two-time defending national championship open the WIAC portion of the schedule by hosting UW-Platteville in the annual Family Day game at Perkins Stadium.

Platteville enters Saturday’s game with a 3 & 1 mark and coming off a 17-14 victory over UW-La Crosse last Saturday in the Pioneer’s conference opener.

Platteville opened the season with a 38-3 win over Buena Vista (Iowa). The Pioneers raised eyebrows around the conference as the result of a 26-3 win at UW-Stevens Point.

The Pioneers only loss of the season was a 24-13 loss to 7th ranked Wheaton (Illinois). The Pioneers had the ball, with a chance to win late in the fourth quarter only to turn the ball over deep in its own territory allowing Wheaton to score a late touchdown.

UW-Whitewater is coming off its bye-week after rolling to three consecutive non-conference wins.

Two-weeks ago UWW scored early and often in a 54-14 win over Campbellsville (Kentucky) who entered the game ranked No. 17 in the NAIA national poll.

Whitewater and Platteville ranked one-two in WIAC scoring defense and rush defense heading into Saturday’s game.

The Warhawks and Pioneers will also be playing for the Miner’s Pick Trophy that goes to the winner of the George Chryst Memorial Bowl.

The following are helpful links for following today's Platteville at Whitewater football action.

UWP @ UWW Game LIVE STATS CLICK HERE

LIVE UWP @ UWW KOOL 106.5 Game Broadcast CLICK HERE

LIVE WPVL/WGLR UW-Platteville Game Broadcast CLICK HERE

UW-Whitewater Game-Day Notes CLICK HERE

UW-Platteville Game-Day Notes CLICK HERE

Daily Jefferson County Union UWP-UWW Pregame Story CLICK HERE

Janesville Gazette UWP @ UWW Pregame Story CLICK HERE

Leipold makes appearance on the Sporting News Network Tim Brando Show

2011-09-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

UW-Whitewater’s football program received a good dose of national exposure Thursday morning. Hawk head coach Lance Leipold spent nearly eight minutes on a phone-in interview with Tim Brando on his Sporting News Network daily program.

Leipold often listens to the program while working in his Student Athletic Complex office. Recently, Brando sent out an open invitation for football programs around the country – no matter what division – to send him a helmet that would be placed on shelf on the show’s TV set.

Lance responded and not long after was asked to be on the show.

What was impressive is the amount of solid preparation Brando did in advance of the interview. His knowledge of Whitewater football was actually much better than a similar national interview on ESPN last season. The segment was led off with the UW-Whitewater fight song.

One of the funniest parts of the interview was when Brando asked Coach Leipold discovered his show. In a typical Lance deadpan response, he indicated it was when the TV cable coming into the SAC added the Tim Brando Show to its cable line-up.

As the interview concluded Brando told Leipold that “We’re going to keep tabs on you all season long,” Brando said. “You have become our favorite Division III team. We are going to keep up with you as the season rolls on.
You noticed us – and now we’re going to notice you the rest of the Fall campaign.”

“Thank you Tim – we’re very flattered,” Leipold responded. “We’re very honored to have the chance to be on your program.”

USA Today is scheduled to be in Whitewater on Friday to do an article on the UW-Whitewater football program

A hoard of national media is hunkered down in Madison in advance of Saturday’s nationally televised Nebraska vs. Wisconsin football game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wednesday was a good day for Luka Ogrizovich

2011-09-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

(Editor's Note: I spent the day today getting the Luka Ogrizovich medical battle, along with Russell Wilson and teammates visit to Children's Hospital in Madison, to visit Luka to ABC College Football producers. Hopefully ABC will relay Luka's battle to the millions watching Saturday night's Nebraska vs Wisconsin game on ABC - I'll try to keep you updated)

The biggest news today has been a successful day in surgery for Luka Ogrizovich. The following is Dad's (Ryan's) nightly journal on the caringbridge Website.

Good evening everyone!

We have nothing but good news to report, so here it goes.

#1 - Luka's surgery today was successful. We were lucky again to have one of the best Neurosurgeons, Dr. Iskandar, working on our little man.

#2 - The Neurosurgeon discovered that what they had assumed was an Abscess in his brain was actually a Hematoma (or collection of blood). A biopsy was sent and we will recieve confirmation within a couple of days. We were relieved to find out that it wasn't an Abscess because that would mean an aggressive dose of various antibiotics for a while to help fight the infection. Infections in little, sick babies are never welcomed!

#3 - Essentially, the biggest piece of encouraging news recieved after yesterday and today was that Luka's brain does not appear to have sustained any sort of permanent damage or injury. The doctors and Genetic Specialists admitted today that, based on their experience with cases like Luka, they were expecting some sort of damage... God did an amazing job protecting his perfect little brain throughout the past few weeks and I think saying that we are incredibly grateful is an understatement.

The plan for the evening will be for Luka to recover and get back on track- we are hoping that he will be able to get rid of his breathing tube on Friday or Saturday.

As always we appreciate the love and support from everyone. Your prayers are working!!! Let's keep those coming so we can all help get Luka through this and get him home!

He continues to impress us everyday. More to come tomorrow.

Love,

Ryan and Mal

For more on Luka Ogrizovich and thoughts of Mal and Ryan (Griz), and to sign Little Griz's guestbook CLICK HERE

Members of the UW football team visit Luka Ogrizovich at American Family Children's Hospital in Madison

2011-09-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

In the adjacent photo at American Family Children's Hospital in Madison are: Russell Wilson (left), Griz (left-center), Aaron Henry (right-center) and Ethan Armstrong (right)

(Editor’s Note: I am attempting to get the following Luka Ogrizovich story to ABC Sports that will be telecasting the Nebraska-Wisconsin football game Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison)

The following is reprinted off the Luka Ogrizovich Caringbridge Journal Website

Friday, September 23, 2011 6:16 PM, CDT

Another cool thing for Luka was that a few players from the Badger football team visited today (last Friday). This did include Russell Wilson, Ethan Armstrong and Aaron Henry. They gave Luka a signed program for tomorrow's game and he had his picture taken with them. It was pretty cool. They had heard through Dr. Brazelton that I played football and Whitewater and I was actually wearing a UWW football shirt today. So we talked about that for about a minute and then I redirected them to my baby boy.

I was excited for him to be able to meet them and they were very nice about it. They told him to keep fighting little man. I'll hopefully have more photos from that up later, but there is one on there that the doctor took while I was talking about him.

Hopefully Brent Musberger or Erin Andrews will have this story to tell on Saturday night’s ABC telecast of the UW vs. Nebraska national telecast!

To access the Caringbridge.org-Luka Website link CLICK HERE

Miner's Pick at stake in Saturday's George Chryst Bowl

2011-09-27T17:39:00.001-07:00

The 19th Annual George Chryst Memorial Bowl takes place Saturday afternoon when the UW-Platteville Pioneers invade Perkins Stadium to take on the Warhawks.

The George Chryst Memorial Bowl is played in honor of George Chryst, the Pioneer coach from 1979 until his sudden death in 1992 at age 55.

Chryst guided the Pioneers to a 79-60-2 mark, with winning records in nine of his 14 seasons. He led the Pioneers to their last league title in 1980.

The WIAC coaches thought so much of him that the league’s Coach of the Year Award is named in his honor. At the urging of former coaches Jim Kinder (UWP) and Bob Berezowitz (UWW), the annual game is dedicated in his memory.

Following each season's Whitewater vs. Platteville football game George’s widow, Patty, presents the player of the game awards at midfield voted on by the assembled media at the game.

Saturday’s UW-Platteville at UW-Whitewater football game will be 18th Annual George Chryst Memorial Bowl.

The George Chryst Memorial Bowl is played in honor of the late Pioneer coach, who compiled a 79-60-2 mark in 1979 until his sudden death in 1992.

Instituted in 1993, the Miner's Pick goes to the winner of the George Chryst Bowl game between UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater.

The trophy, patterned after the legendary Paul Bunyan's Axe that has gone to the winner of the Wisconsin vs. Minnesota football game each year since 1890.
The Warhawks defeated the Pioneers 49-17 last year in Platteville to claim the Pick for a sixth consecutive season.

Whitewater has defeated the Pioneers in 16 of the 18 George Chryst Memorial Games.

(Year-by-Year George Chryst Memorial Bowl Results)
(2010) UW-Whitewater 48, UW-Platteville 17 (at Platteville)
(2009) UW-Whitewater 35, UW-Platteville 3 (at Whitewater)
(2008) UW-Whitewater 52, UW-Platteville 13 (at Platteville)
(2007) UW-Whitewater 21, UW-Platteville 7 (at Whitewater)
(2006) UW-Whitewater 49, UW-Platteville 21 (at Platteville)
(2005) UW-Whitewater 63, UW-Platteville 28 (at Whitewater)
(2004) UW-Platteville 7, UW-Whitewater 6 (at Platteville)
(2003) UW-Whitewater 20, UW-Platteville 14 (at Whitewater)
(2002) UW-Whitewater 36, UW-Platteville 33 (at Platteville)
(2001) UW-Platteville 27, UW-Whitewater 26 (at Whitewater)
(2000) UW-Whitewater 26, UW-Platteville 6 (at Platteville)
(1999) UW-Whitewater 55, UW-Platteville 20 (at Whitewater)
(1998) UW-Whitewater 27, UW-Platteville 21 (at Platteville)
(1997) UW-Whitewater 58, UW-Platteville 18 (at Whitewater)
(1996) UW-Whitewater 56, UW-Platteville 14 (at Platteville)
(1995) UW-Whitewater 17, UW-Platteville 12 (at Whitewater)
(1994) UW-Whitewater 36, UW-Platteville 17 (at Whitewater)
(1993) UW-Whitewater 23, UW-Platteville 14 (at Platteville)

2011-09-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

The 17th Annual George Chryst Memorial Bowl takes place Saturday afternoon when the UW-Platteville Pioneers invade Perkins Stadium to take on the Warhawks.
The George Chryst Memorial Bowl is played in honor of George Chryst, the Pioneer coach from 1979 until his sudden death in 1992 at age 55.
Chryst guided the Pioneers to a 79-60-2 mark, with winning records in nine of his 14 seasons. He led the Pioneers to their last league title in 1980.
The WIAC coaches thought so much of him that the league’s Coach of the Year Award is named in his honor. At the urging of former coaches Jim Kinder (UWP) and Bob Berezowitz (UWW), the annual game is dedicated in his memory.
George’s widow, Patty, presents the player of the game awards at midfield voted on by the assembled media at the game.
Saturday’s UW-Platteville at UW-Whitewater football game

The George Chryst Memorial Bowl is played in honor of the late Pioneer coach, who compiled a 79-60-2 mark in 1979 until his sudden death in 1992.

Instituted in 1993, the Miner's Pick goes to the winner of the George Chryst Bowl game between UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater.
The trophy, patterned after the legendary Paul Bunyan's Axe that has gone to the winner of the Wisconsin vs. Minnesota football game each year since 1890.
The Warhawks defeated the Pioneers 49-17 last year in Platteville to claim the Pick for a sixth consecutive season.

Whitewater has defeated the Pioneers in 16 of the 18 George Chryst Memorial Games.

(2010) UW-Whitewater 48, UW-Platteville 17 (at Platteville)
(2009) UW-Whitewater 35, UW-Platteville 3 (at Whitewater)
(2008) UW-Whitewater 52, UW-Platteville 13 (at Platteville)
(2007) UW-Whitewater 21, UW-Platteville 7 (at Whitewater)
(2006) UW-Whitewater 49, UW-Platteville 21 (at Platteville)
(2005) UW-Whitewater 63, UW-Platteville 28 (at Whitewater)
(2004) UW-Platteville 7, UW-Whitewater 6 (at Platteville)
(2003) UW-Whitewater 20, UW-Platteville 14 (at Whitewater)
(2002) UW-Whitewater 36, UW-Platteville 33 (at Platteville)
(2001) UW-Platteville 27, UW-Whitewater 26 (at Whitewater)
(2000) UW-Whitewater 26, UW-Platteville 6 (at Platteville)
(1999) UW-Whitewater 55, UW-Platteville 20 (at Whitewater)
(1998) UW-Whitewater 27, UW-Platteville 21 (at Platteville)
(1997) UW-Whitewater 58, UW-Platteville 18 (at Whitewater)
(1996) UW-Whitewater 56, UW-Platteville 14 (at Platteville)
(1995) UW-Whitewater 17, UW-Platteville 12 (at Whitewater)
(1994) UW-Whitewater 36, UW-Platteville 17 (at Whitewater)
(1993) UW-Whitewater 23, UW-Platteville 14 (at Platteville)

Warhawk fans - let's Pack the Perk on Saturday vs. Platteville

2011-09-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Let’s get Perkins Stadium rockin’ on Saturday when the unbeaten UW-Whitewater football team plays host to UW-Platteville in Family Day 2011 at the
"Perk."

The annual Family Day game attendance has been a “record breaker” over the last three years. Last year’s Family Day game vs. UW-Stout drew a UW-Whitewater and WIAC record crowd of 12,129 to Perkins Stadium. The previous school record crowd of 11,028 turned out for the 2008 Family Day game vs. UW-La Crosse. Whitewater’s 2009 Family Day game vs. UW-Platteville drew a crowd of 9,157 to the “Perk.”

UW-Whitewater football currently ranks 4th in Division III attendance after drawing 6,823 to the Hawks only home game of the season – vs. Campbellsville (Kentucky) two weeks ago.

St. Johns (Minnesota) annually leads the nation in Division III attendance. The Johnnies top D3 attendance entering the weekend by averaging 9,041 fans per game at Clemons Stadium including a season-high 12,211 at last Saturday’s loss to MIAC rival Augsburg.

Whitewater has finished second behind St. Johns in regular season game attendance in each of the last three years.

A reminder, kickoff for Saturday’s WIAC opener vs. UW-Platteville is 2 p.m. The weather forecast is calling for an outstanding autumn day in southern Wisconsin with sunshine and a high temperature in the mid-to-upper 50s.

With the late kickoff – it will be a great day to get the your Perkins Stadium tailgate location and have plenty of time to get your “game face” on.
Voiceseyeonfootball.blogspot.com Faces in the Crowd photographer Jhanay Smith will be snapping pregame, tailgate photos on Saturday – make sure to welcome her to your tailgate location!

The Warhawk football team is in search of its fourth NCAA Division III National Championship this year – lets do our part by Packing the Perk on Saturday!

Voices Weekly Random Thoughts

2011-09-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

• The Warhawks continue preparations for Saturday’s WIAC opener vs. UW-Platteville Saturday afternoon at Perkins Stadium. The Pioneers will bring a 3-1 record into the “Perk” including wins over Stevens Point and La Crosse. Platteville is a team you better respect.

• It is Family Day at the Perk on Saturday – traditionally the top attended home game of the season. The Family Day attendance the last three years include: 12,189 (2010), 9157 (2009), 11,028 (2008).

• Remember it will be a 2 p.m. kickoff on Saturday and the Klements Racing Sausages will be challenging Willie Warhawk to a “loser leaves town” challenge race at halftime.

• It may have been U-Dub-Dub’s bye week last weekend but with the Brewers clinching a divisional championship on Friday night, the Badgers rolling over South Dakota on Saturday and the Packers beating da’ Bears on Sunday it was a great sports weekend wasn’t it?

• The Brewers postgame celebration with the fans on Friday night brought back memories of one of my top-5 sports moments of all time. I was a huge Minnesota Twins fan growing up and the Twins shocked the world by beating Detroit on a late September night in Detroit to win the AL Central Division Title. Two hours after the game over 60,000 had made it to the Metrodome for a welcome back celebration. Me and a carload of friends made the 75 minute to Minneapolis to join the celebration. It ranked right up their with watching the Hawks on there current streak.

• All signs are pointing to Prince Fielder accepting the big bucks and leaving the Brewers following Milwaukee’s playoff run. The money thrown at Prince will be too much to turn down. Prince may get the cash – but he’ll never have as much fun as he had this year with the Brewers.

• Don’t forget that Quarterback Club is every Wednesday evening at Saxes’ Lone Star Inn on Hwy 12 a couple miles west of Whitewater. Social begins at 6 p.m. with a buffet dinner at 7 p.m. Don’t be square – make sure you’re there!

• Mount Union stayed unbeaten Saturday night with a 66-7 win over Wilmington at Mount Union Stadium. The Purple Raiders outgained Wilmington 671-115, which included a 437-62 margin in the first half.
Mount Union head coach Larry Kehres is one of the classiest coaches in the country. Despite the ultra lopsided win, Coach Kehres refused to throw the outmanned Wilmington club “under the bus” following the game.
“Wilmington has improved greatly from the time we saw them last season (in the third game) against the same teams they faced last year. They were much more competitive this season going into this game,” Kehres said in an honest tone. “The defense did a great job taking away the run and forcing them into becoming one dimensional by throwing the ball.”

• And finally, a belated happy birthday to Kim Smith, my youngest daughter and to Sierra Folberg, one of my granddaughters.

GO WARHAWKS!!

Monday Morning Around The WIAC

2011-09-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

• UW-Platteville and UW-Oshkosh look like they will be strong challengers to UW-Whitewater for the 2011 WIAC title.

• UW-P handed La Crosse its fourth straight loss of the season 17-14 Saturday in Platteville.

• Platteville ranks No. 2 in both scoring defense and rush defense in the WIAC through the first four weeks of the season.

• Platteville travels to Perkins Stadium for Whitewater’s annual Family Day game. The Family Day game has drawn more than 10,000 fans over the past three seasons. Kickoff Saturday is set for 2 p.m.

• The Warhawks are coming off it’s 2011 bye week.

• UW-Oshkosh completely dominated Stout 56-10 in Menomonie last Thursday night. Oshkosh racked up 535 yards of offense and seven touchdowns of at least 25 yards in the two team’s “in-conference/non-conference game at Don and Nona Williams Stadium.

• UW-Stevens Point ran its record to 2 & 1 on the season with a 14-3 non-conference win at Albion (Michigan).

• Coming up on Saturday will be the first full weekend of conference games.